A conversation between chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma before the announcement of Team India for the Champions Trophy came to light. The two were talking about the BCCI's decision, in which the board has tightened rules on taking players' families on foreign tours.
Rohit was telling Agarkar…
Now I have to sit down with the secretary to discuss the family rules. All the players are calling me.
In fact, all this happened before the start of the press conference in Mumbai on Saturday. Neither of them knew that the mic was on. They instinctively started talking among themselves on the board's family policy. When reporters questioned Rohit about this during PC, he said, 'Who told you about these rules? Does this come from the official handle of the board? Let it be official. We will talk later.'
BCCI called a press conference to announce the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy. In which a team of 15 members was announced.
Rohit said- Ranji is ready to play
Rohit was seen practicing with the Mumbai Ranji team 4 days ago on January 14.
In response to a question, he confirmed that he will play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy against Jammu and Kashmir. On the participation of star players in domestic matches, Rohit said that due to the busy schedule of the international calendar, it is difficult for the players to find time. No player takes domestic tournaments lightly.
3 big things about Rohit's PC…
- On playing his Ranji Trophy… When asked about his own availability, Rohit said, 'If you look at our calendar in the last 6-7 years, there has never been a time when we were sitting at home for 45 days. This happens only when there is no international match immediately after the IPL.'
- On Bumrah's fitness… Right now we are not sure about Bumrah, so we picked Arshdeep Singh to play his role if needed.
- On the drop of Siraj… Mohammad Siraj is not that effective. As balls age, their effectiveness decreases.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar announced the Indian team. (File photo.)
4 things about Ajit Agarkar…
1. Bumrah expected to stay fit till Champions Trophy Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, 'We are waiting for Jasprit Bumrah's fitness report. His condition will be known from BCCI's medical team in early February.
Harshit Rana has been included in the England squad as Bumrah's backup for the ODI series. Agarkar said that it is hoped that Bumrah will be fit till the Champions Trophy.
2. Fitness problem in team, so Gill is vice captain While announcing Gill's appointment as vice-captain for the one-day series against England and the Champions Trophy, Agarkar said there were fitness issues in the squad. There is no other reason than this. Gill will also get some experience from the England series.
3. BCCI guidelines are no order On the board's 10 instructions for players, Agarkar said – 'I don't think this is an order, this is one of the things that the BCCI has considered.' He said- most of the players will play in Ranji Trophy soon, if they are not injured.
4. Nair's performance is good, but no place Agarkar said on Nair's performance, 'Obviously when a batsman performs at this level, there is discussion, but in a team where the average of the players selected is above 40, it becomes difficult to make a place. But in the future if any player gets injured, there is no doubt that his name will be discussed.'
Image Credit: Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).