Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane He has created a storm of debate in Indian cricket with his outspoken comments about the country’s selection system. In open and candid conversations with Cheteshwar Pujara On his YouTube channel, the legendary batsman told the players,One should not be afraid of selectors’ and urged comprehensive reforms in the way selection panels are chosen, particularly at the domestic level. According to Rahane, only recently retired first-class players should be entrusted with the responsibility of picking the team, as they are more likely to relate to the evolving nature of modern cricket. His comments are seen as a rare moment of honesty from a senior player, which has sparked a deeper discussion on whether fear, prejudice or an outdated system is blocking deserving talent from getting into India’s cricket structure.
Ajinkya Rahane believes modern minds are needed in selection committees
Rahane believes the current eligibility model for selectors, allowing anyone with 10 first-class matches and five years since retirement, is outdated and out of step with the demands of modern cricket. He argued that selectors should understand today’s formats like IPL and T20, which have reshaped players’ style, approach and workload. “Players should not be afraid of selectors. I want to talk about selectors, especially in domestic cricket. We should have selectors who have recently retired from top-level cricket, who may have stopped playing about five, six or seven years ago. The game is evolving rapidly and the selectors should also evolve with it.” Rahane stressed that this would ensure fresh perspectives and unbiased assessment.
The veteran also said that players should feel free and fearless while performing without worrying about the decision of the selectors. His comments subtly hinted that many domestic players may be overly cautious due to perceived bias or stereotypical thinking of those who played decades ago. By proposing that selectors should be chosen state-wise and based on recent experience, Rahane’s comments highlight the urgent need for systemic development within the administrative structure of Indian cricket.
“Because of the way cricket is evolving, I think it is very important that the mentality and mindset of the selectors match that and keep pace with the changes. The game is evolving. We don’t want to make decisions based on how cricket was played 20-30 years ago. With formats like T20 and IPL, it is important to understand the style of modern cricket players. I believe that selectors, wherever possible, should have individuals from all states, and players on the field on Must play. Freedom, playing fearless cricket.” Rahane added.
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Cheteshwar Pujara wants balance between experience and modern understanding
Rahane’s long-time teammate and fellow Test legend Cheteshwar Pujara echoed the sentiment of improvement but offered a balanced approach. He agreed that recently retired players bring modern awareness but also reminded that experienced cricketers with strong records should not be ignored simply because they stopped playing long ago.
“In bigger states, it can be implemented because they have a lot of options. So, wherever possible, I agree that it can be implemented, but that does not mean that any former cricketer, who has a good record and wants to be a selector now, should be denied the opportunity because he has retired long ago.” Pujara said.
Both players agreed that domestic performance should remain the backbone of Test selection, thereby emphasizing the depth and merit-based culture of India’s cricket. Pujara pointed out that priorities have changed – with format specialization and the allure of white-ball cricket – with domestic cricket shaping future Test stars. He also reflected on how Indian cricket has evolved IPLIts arrival in 2008 brought about a change in infrastructure, performance and professionalism. He said, despite fewer Test matches every year, the passion for red ball cricket and its importance in Indian cricket remains strong.
“I believe that people who want to play Test cricket should play domestic cricket first. And everyone plays it. And it is also important to perform well in it. And if we talk about the current team selection, or if we talk about the last two or three series, domestic players who have performed well in Ranji Trophy or domestic cricket have got a chance to play in the Indian team. So, this shows that it is a positive step. Because when domestic players are playing well in domestic cricket, Cricketers perform well in matches, they should be rewarded. And I believe this should continue. And the selection of the Indian Test team should be completely based on domestic cricket.” Pujara saw.
Rahane completely agreed that domestic success is the truest measure of preparation for Test cricket.
“I think you are absolutely right. The Indian Test team should be selected on the basis of domestic cricket. And I think that value remains. When you come to Test cricket after doing so well in domestic cricket… the value of the Test cap and the experience of playing Test cricket is also different.” Rahane concluded.
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