Dilip Vengsarkar, former India captain who was also chairman of the selection committee, feels that giving opportunities to the right players at the correct times will be key for the Indian cricket team to do well in future. In an exclusive chat with RevSportz, Vengsarkar indirectly criticised the current selectors for appearing to lack that vision.
“Cricket, we all know, is a very popular sport in India, and we have so many players right from different age levels to first-class cricket,” said Vengsarkar. “The most important thing I feel is that you must spot the talent and groom them at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) before they go on to represent the country. Giving an opportunity to a youngster at the right time is very important.”
After losing two consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) finals, to New Zealand and Australia, Indian cricket is staring at a period of transition, with several stalwarts well into their 30s. “We need to develop our bench strength because that is very important,” said Vengsarkar. “Unless you have bench strength, you cannot do well in any formats. And I am sure we have tremendous talent in the country. In the next 10-15 years, we can do well.”
One of those young talents is Yashasvi Jaiswal, who could get his chance as early as the upcoming tour of the West Indies. “Yes, there are lot of young talents coming up,” said Vengsarkar. “Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the players for the future. Ruturaj Gaikwad is another one. The selectors need to spot some fast bowlers and spinners who could win you matches, and that is very important.”
Following India’s heavy defeat to Australia in the WTC final, one of the big debates centred on team selection, with Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, not included in the playing XI. “Nobody is happy with the selection, as people feel X and Y should be there in the team,” said Vengsarkar, not wishing to come across as too critical. “You cannot make everyone happy.
“Every selector has his viewpoint, and they go about it according to their instincts. But I am sure India have a very bright future with a lot of young talents coming up. It was a tremendous achievement by the team to reach the final of World Test Championship, and I hope we will do better in future.”