Team India squad is picked by selectors, coach and captain don't have a vote: Shastri

Cricket Desk: Ravi Shastri has always had a fiery personality and has never stood down from making a comment about something he feels passionately about. During his tenure as the head coach of the Indian national men’s cricket team, Shastri has delivered several politically correct statements. But, now that he is out of the role, we might see his normal self. 

In a recent interaction, the former head coach clarified his position in the team and how the selection process works. There were some questions being raised as far as the Indian team’s selection is concerned. Firstly, when the squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 was announced, there were a couple of surprise exclusions. 

The fact that Shikhar Dhawan and Yuzvendra Chahal, who have been around the Indian white-ball set-up for some time and have performed exceedingly well in the IPL, were not selected in the squad didn’t go down well for some fans and experts. In these situations, the fans generally point fingers at the selectors and the team management, which usually includes the head coach and the captain. 

The 15 is picked up by the selectors, even the captain doesn’t have a vote: Ravi Shastri

However, Shastri during the interaction, tried to clarify this common misconception. “I do not get involved in the selection of the team. Arnab, you must remember I get involved in the selection of the XI. So, who picks the 15 players is also accountable. Yes, I am accountable as a selector as being a part of the selection process which picks the XI. The 15 is picked up by the selectors, even the captain doesn’t have a vote,” Shastri said during an interview with well-known TV anchor Arnab Goswami on Republic TV. 

Several keynotes have been pointed out in justifying India’s early exit from the tournament. Shastri himself noted in another interaction that his players were extremely exhausted having spent the last six months in bubbles all around the world. There were definitely questions raised at the squad selection, but it seems Shastri wanted everyone to keep him and skipper Virat Kohli out of that conversation. The former Indian all-rounder will nevertheless remain one of India’s finest coaches, having won series across formats in several parts of the world.