Chief selector MSK Prasad struggles to justify skipper Kohli's availability for full SL series and Nehra's selection only for Delhi T20I
Whether skipper Virat Kohli will get some rest before next year's South Africa tour or will he continue with the grind remains to be seen as ambiguity prevails over his availability for the forthcoming three-Test series against Sri Lanka. The MSK Prasad-led selection panel yesterday selected the Indian team for the three-match T20 series against New Zealand, two warm-up matches and the first two Tests against Sri Lanka. There was speculation that Kohli would be rested after newspaper reports said that the Indian skipper had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not to consider him for selection in December due to personal reasons. The first Test against Sri Lanka will begin on November 16 while Sri Lanka will stay on for three ODIs and T20Is.
Virat Kohli
ADVERTISEMENT
Prasad said the selection panel has been monitoring Kohli's workload and the rotation policy will be applicable to the captain as well. "Considering the workload and the international schedule that we have right now, we are definitely rotating players," said Prasad. "It's too premature to say right now whom we are (resting). We will let you know at the appropriate time. With regards to Kohli, there was some speculation that he is going to be rested for the whole Sri Lankan series – that's not right. "As far as the Test series is concerned, he is going to play, and at some point of time, the rotation policy that we are following, will apply to the captain. We are also monitoring his workload, he has been playing continuously right from IPL-10. We need to give him a break which we will consider after the Test series," Prasad explained.
MSK Prasad
Going by Prasad's view, Kohli will play the entire Test series against Sri Lanka. In that case, why was the team selected for only two Tests? The other contentious issue was the selection of veteran pacer Ashish Nehra for only the first T20I against New Zealand. Nehra has planned his farewell at his home ground at Ferozshah Kotla, the venue for the first T20I. Here too, there were contradictory statements from the BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary and Prasad. While Choudhary announced that Nehra was only selected for the first T20, Prasad said they were looking at him 'only' till the New Zealand series. "We have clearly communicated to the player (Ashish Nehra) and to the team management that we are only looking at him till the New Zealand series," said Prasad.
The chief selector clarified that Nehra won't be guaranteed a spot in the playing XI: "We can't say that if he will surely play in the Delhi T20I," Prasad said. "Whether he is going to play or not, it is clearly the team management and the selector's call. "The think-tank will take a call. There is no assurance from our side that he's going to play. It will be decided on that particular day."
It was also unusual that the selectors picked a 16-member squad for the first two Tests against Sri Lanka. "Well, we have covered different aspects. We have strengthened every department — spin, medium-pace," Prasad justified. "With so much domestic cricket going on, some players can be released for domestic games. We will definitely work on that. Yes, we want to cover every aspect. "You all know that from September 1, the new rules have come with regards to a 16-member squad. Even a wicketkeeper can be substituted with a wicketkeeper." Interestingly, there is no reserve wicketkeeper in the squad.
Also view photos: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
