The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has started the process of appointing a new member to its senior men’s selection committee after Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of selectors came to an end.
The Indian cricket board has invited applications for the vacant position and has also laid out the eligibility criteria and responsibilities attached to the role.
But what does it take to become a selector for the Indian men’s cricket team? Here is everything you need to know.
ALSO READ: Naman Dhir Makes Debut As Shreyas Iyer Opts To Bowl vs West Indies In 1st T20I: Check Playing XIs
Who Can Apply For The Selector’s Job?
The BCCI has set specific playing criteria for candidates applying for the position. An applicant must have played at least seven Test matches, or 30 First-Class matches, or 10 ODIs along with 20 First-Class matches during their playing career.
There is also a retirement requirement. Candidates must have retired from the game at least five years ago to be eligible for the position.
ALSO READ: Harmanpreet Kaur Was Given One Last Option By BCCI: Here's Why She Still Chose To Step Down
What Does The Chief Selector Do?
The senior men’s selection committee is responsible for picking India’s teams across formats. The selector plays a key role in choosing squads for Tests, ODIs and T20Is, while also keeping an eye on players who could make the step up to international cricket.
The job is not limited to selecting the final squad. Selectors are also expected to identify promising talent and help build a strong bench strength for the Indian team.
How Does The Selection Process Work?
Selectors are expected to watch players closely before making important decisions. This includes following domestic cricket as well as international matches.
They assess performances, form and overall suitability before deciding on the players who should be part of the national setup. The BCCI also expects the selection process to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
What Other Responsibilities Does A Selector Have?
The role involves considerably more than simply announcing the Indian squad.
The selector has to attend team meetings and travel to domestic and international matches when required. They are also expected to contribute to the development of the senior team across different formats.
Another important responsibility is submitting quarterly evaluation reports on the team’s performance to the BCCI’s Apex Council.
The selector can also be required to address the media on team selection.
Who Selects India’s Captain?
The selection committee also has a role in appointing the captain of the Indian team in each format.
This makes the position particularly important, as selectors are involved in decisions that can shape the leadership and long-term direction of the national team.
Who Could Replace Ajit Agarkar?
With Agarkar’s tenure over, several names have been linked with the vacant position. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel and ex-India batter VVS Laxman have emerged as reported contenders.
Laxman currently heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, while Parthiv is associated with Gujarat Titans in the IPL and also works as a broadcaster and commentator.
The BCCI’s latest application process will determine who eventually joins the senior men’s selection committee and takes on one of the most important roles in Indian cricket.