Rahane: Players shouldn't fear selectors; selectors must be recently retired cricketers

On his YouTube channel, Ajinkya Rahane spoke with Cheteshwar Pujara about the evolving role of selectors in Indian cricket and the need for players to play with freedom. Rahane asserted that 'Players should not be afraid of selectors.'

He said that discussions about career paths after cricket are underway and that the relationship between selectors and players should enable confidence on the field rather than fear of being dropped, scolded, or angered for a risky shot.

Rahane argued that selectors should be people who have recently played cricket and can relate to the modern game. 'I believe that selectors should be such people, who it is possible in as many states, who have played cricket recently — players who have taken retirement recently, like five-six years ago, seven-eight years ago,' he said. 'Because the way cricket is moving forward, I think it is very important for the mentality and mindset of selectors to match that.'

He added that 'the way cricket is moving forward' means selectors should not be thinking too far back about what was happening 20-30 years ago. 'Cricket has come a long way now. We have seen that because of T20, IPL, you know cricketers what brand of cricket they want to play,' Rahane said. In reply to Rahane's thoughts on selectors, Pujara agreed about the need for selectors to be recently retired cricketers, but cautioned that a former cricketer, who retired long back, should not also be deprived of the chance.