Praising Parthiv, chief selector says Saha first choice
CHENNAI: Injuries seem to be the flavour of the season. Hardik Pandya, picked for the first time in a Test squad, is the latest to be sidelined after sustaining a shoulder injury during training in Mohali. With the selectors already worried about KL Rahul ahead of the fourth Test starting on December 8, chief selector MSK Prasad had some good news to share on the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy clash between Delhi and Vidarbha.
“Rahul’s injury was a surprise. It was unfortunate. He is going to be fine in 3-4 days and will mostly return for the Mumbai Test. But selection is still open,” he said. Parthiv Patel’s selection to replace the injured Wriddhiman Saha also surprised a few, who thought Delhi's 19-year-old Rishab Pant was ready to be elevated to the next level.
Prasad said Parthiv was picked on his performances in Ranji Trophy and added that Saha remains favourite to return after recovering a thigh strain. “Parthiv’s stats speaks a lot. He has been good with the bat and keeping well in the domestic circuit. Parthiv’s glove work is much better than before. But Saha is definitely our first choice. Pant is having a good season and I believe everyone should come through the system. He is still young, with lots of scope for improvement. He is definitely under our radar,” explained Prasad.
Following India's rise to the top of Test rankings, the selectors are focussing on a steady supply line, with focus on spinners. “Our aim is to develop bench strength. I am sure, by the end of our term, we will leave a mark. We have started planning for the next 6-7 years. Our concern is to find spinners. We have identified some. Though Ashwin and Jadeja have a long career ahead of them, we need to start working now. Jayant Yadav is one example. About 12-14 spinners are under observation now. We are keeping track of them,” said the former India wicketkeeper from Andhra.
Ashwin has the pressure on skipper Virat Kohli with a string of good scores under pressure batting at No 6. The spinner is also an integral part of the team that works with youngsters. “Ashwin is not just a bowler anymore. He is a dependable batsman. His timing is so perfect that people mistake him for VVS Laxman. And he always shares his knowledge. He was seen with Jayant Yadav during the nets more than a few times. He even told me that I should back Jayant and nurture him. Relation between players is fantastic and that's why we are winning,” Prasad concluded.