Former India wicket-keeper and selector Syed Kirmani has said that the current MSK Prasad-led selection panel is not experienced enough to challenge captain Virat Kohli or coach Ravi Shastri.
The former gloveman expressed his concerns after Test players Karun Nair and Murali Vijay were omitted from the squad for the West Indies series, with both players saying no selector spoke to them about the reasons behind their exclusion. Prasad later stated he had communicated with Nair and Vijay.
Talking to the Press Trust of India, Kirmani said: “If you ask me Ravi Shastri is the main selector, being the coach. He along with captain and senior members will discuss and put what they want across to the selection committee.
“The current selection committee, with due respect, is inexperienced compared to these guys (Shastri and Kohli). And they better listen to what the team management wants because they cannot debate with Shastri and Kohli, who have much more experience,” said the 68-year-old, who played 88 Tests for the country and became chief selector in 2003.
The current five-member India selection panel includes chief selector Prasad who played six Tests and 17 ODIs. Others are low on international experience as well; Sarandeep Singh (3 Tests, 5 ODIs), Devang Gandhi (4 Tests, 3 ODIs), Jatin Paranjpe (4 ODIs) and Gagan Khoda (2 ODIs).
