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IPL hype, public opinion never enough for picking ODI squad: BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad​ clarifies

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector MSK Prasad announced the 15-man squad for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy on Monday, picking up a tried and tested squad and refraining from pulling off many surprises. While several cricket greats and fans questioned on why top IPL performers like Gautam Gambhir, Rishabh Pant, Suresh Raina, etc. were not named in the squad, Prasad had a rather simple and direct answer.

The selection panel chief made it clear that IPL hype and public opinion are never enough to sway selectors picking a one-day side, hinting that players like Gautam Gambhir, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Rana, etc. were not even considered based on their IPL form or public sentiment.

When specifically asked as to why youngsters were not a part of the team, the selection committee head said, “Isn’t Bumrah a youngster? Isn’t Hardik Pandya a youngster? They came to the Indian team during 2016 Australia series prior to Asia Cup.

When the same scribe asked whether veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was considered, convener Amitabh Chaudhary sarcastically retorted: “On one side, you asked about youngsters and now you are asking about Harbhajan Singh.”

Quizzed about Sanju Samson and Basil Thampi, Prasad said that these guys need A team exposure.

“We have seen their performances in the IPL. They need good A tour before the next level.”

Rahul Tripathi and Basil Thampi also drew praise from the selectors.

“In 50 overs tournament, we have to check all-round capabilities. We are happy that the likes of Rahul Tripathi or Thampi are shaping up.”

Apart from announcing a 15-man squad, BCCI also named 5-man stand-by list including Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Shardul Thakur, Suresh Raina, just in case a player gets injured.

Source: Zee News