The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had invited applications for candidates, who are keen on becoming a national selector for the Indian senior, junior and women's team. The deadline for applications was 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and a number of former Indian cricketers including Nayan Mongia and Venkatesh Prasad, along with domestic players, have shown interest in the prestigious job.
The BCCI had laid down some important criteria for those interested in the post. Besides the age cap of 60 years, the candidates are also required to possess an experience of one Test or ODI or 50 first-class matches. The applicant also should not be related to the IPL.
Mongia, who was one of the best wicket-keepers India produced and played his last Test match in 2001, has set his sight on the tough job.
"I am very keen to become a national selector," the Times of India quoted Mongia as saying.
Besides Mongia and Prasad, Sameer Dighe, Nilesh Kulkarni and Abey Kuruvilla, who have all played for India in the past, are keen on becoming a national selector. Domestic cricketers like Shishir Hattangadi and Shantanu Sugwekar among others have also applied for the post. With such cricketers having sent their application, the BCCI have a tough choice to make.
Kulkarni feels after serving Mumbai cricket and India, it is time for him to give back to the sport, which helped him earn his living.
"Having played cricket for Mumbai and India, I feel it's time to give back to the sport which has helped me build my professional career first in cricket, and later, in sports management education," Kulkarni said.
The new selection committee, which will be selected by the BCCI, will have a tough job on their hand as selectors need to make some stern decisions while selecting the national side. They will also have to follow India cricket closely, and give chances to proven cricketers at the domestic level as well.
With the last selectors committee, led by Sandeep Patil, having picked the Test squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, their replacements' first role could be picking the ODI team.
