The Indian cricket fraternity is in turmoil following a string of disappointing performances, culminating in a recent home series whitewash against South Africa. Amidst the fallout, chief selector Ajit Agarkar is facing severe criticism for allegedly neglecting domestic cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy, and instead prioritizing players based on their Indian Premier League (IPL) performances.
The criticism against Agarkar centers on the perception that he has been largely absent from Ranji Trophy matches, the premier domestic tournament in India that has historically served as a breeding ground for Test cricketers. Critics argue that Agarkar's lack of presence at these matches indicates a disconnect from the grassroots level and a reliance on superficial data, such as IPL statistics, rather than a nuanced understanding of a player's temperament, technique, and adaptability to the longer format of the game.
Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has been particularly vocal in his criticism, questioning the very need for the Ranji Trophy if IPL performances are the primary criteria for selection. Lal stated that the Ranji Trophy is the ultimate platform to discover players who can bat for long periods, but it seems like the selectors are turning a blind eye towards the tournament. He also expressed concerns about the players' seriousness towards Test cricket, suggesting that they may be more interested in playing T20Is and ODIs.
This sentiment is echoed by other critics who point to instances where players with limited first-class experience have been fast-tracked into the national team, while seasoned domestic performers have been overlooked. For example, players like Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been given opportunities despite modest first-class averages, while consistent domestic run-scorers like Abhimanyu Easwaran have been sidelined.
Agarkar's supporters point to selections such as Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan as instinct-driven calls that have yielded results. However, the process is not sustainable, as these players do not have the First Class volume behind them.
The perceived neglect of domestic cricket has raised concerns about the weakening of India's talent pipeline. Critics argue that relying on apps and scorecards instead of ground scouting risks missing out on players with the right temperament and technique for Test cricket. They also fear that it could erode trust between selectors and state associations, potentially leading to a decline in the overall quality of domestic cricket.
The BCCI has acknowledged the criticism and stated that they will speak to the selectors regarding the Test debacle. However, a top official's comment that "every score comes on the app" has further fueled the controversy, with critics arguing that it demonstrates a lack of understanding of the nuances of domestic cricket. Bengal coach Manoj Tiwary has emphasized that selectors must see the fight in a player's eyes, not just numbers on a screen.
The controversy surrounding Agarkar's selection policies has also brought the Gambhir-Agarkar axis under scrutiny. Some reports suggest tension between coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill over the persistent backing of certain players. Former selector Kiran More has stated that Gambhir and Gill are not trusting Ranji stars, which is leading to chaos.
As the BCCI prepares for a review, there are calls for Agarkar to mandate domestic attendance and prioritize first-class form. The future of Indian cricket may depend on whether the selectors can strike a better balance between rewarding IPL performances and nurturing talent through the Ranji Trophy. Some suggest the board is considering doubling the remuneration for domestic players. The report also adds that BCCI is considering increasing the scale of payment between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore if a player features in 10 Ranji Trophy matches.
