BCCI on Friday announced India’s Test and ODI teams for the upcoming West Indies tour which gets underway from next month.
However, many experts, former cricketers and fans pointed out that the selection was based on the performances in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), rather than the Ranji Trophy, which is India’s premier red ball competition.
Former India opener Abhinav Mukund, who has represented India in seven Tests, also echoed similar views.
“Unable to understand these selections-too many thoughts in my head to compile into a tweet. But what is the incentive for a young player to take pride in playing for his state anymore? Clearly the franchise route is a faster way to scale the grade,” Mukund tweeted.
Mukund’s view makes sense as many consistent performers in Ranji Trophy have been overlooked for the West Indies tour. Prolific batter Sarfaraz Khan, who has been one of the top performers and was also the highest run-scorer in the previous edition, is yet to earn a maiden India call-up.
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal have been selected on the basis of their performances in IPL 2023.