If we lacked vision, how come Bumrah, Hardik, and Pant have all played Test cricket, asks MSK Prasad

It is inevitable that in a country with 130 crore people – a good percentage of them being cricket lovers – any official member of the team, coaching staff or management come under scrutiny following a loss. When you are on the receiving end of such repeated criticism of ‘lacking any vision’, it is only fair that you get to respond. And Prasad did that in style in an exclusive two-part interview.

“If this committee lacked vision, then how did Jasprit Bumrah, who is predominantly considered a white-ball bowler, has been eased into Test cricket and he becomes No.1  whom nobody ever thought that could be cut out for longer formats, has been groomed and inducted into Test squad in such a short span of time. We all saw the results in England and Australia -- both with bat and behind the stumps,” Prasad told PTI, reported TOI. 

The chairman even went into the reserves of the Indian squad to show how wise selection has added to the depth. Prasad also pointed to the India A side going on shadow tours ahead of the main side. 

“Let's come to the feeder line. See how much progress a Mayank (Agarwal) or a (Hanuma) Vihari has made. Look at our fast bowling strength. Khaleel Ahmed and Navdeep Saini are two of the fastest in India right now. If this committee lacked vision and blue-print, how are the shadow tours being planned for the senior team through India A? Are these not the results of coordinated efforts by the selection committee along with coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid,” Prasad added.

When asked about MS Dhoni – particularly about his World Cup performances and the roadmap ahead – Prasad said that he still believed Dhoni to be one of the best finishers in the world. He noted that had India pulled off the comeback, the stories would’ve shown a whole different perspective. However, as the youngsters are still a work-in-progress, the selectors intend on giving them as many chances in the upcoming series’.

“With regards to our Test team, we have done well in our earlier Test series against Australia in Australia. We are excited and looking forward towards the World Test Championship. In shorter formats, we have inducted few youngsters based on their consistent performances at the India A level and we are looking forward to seeing them consolidating their spots in the Team as they will get more number of opportunities from here on,” Prasad added.