BCCI Selectors Defend Decision to Rest Players for Domestic Competition

Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, has defended the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to rest players for the England T20Is and ask them to participate in domestic competition. The decision has been met with criticism, with some questioning the logic of asking players to play in a four-day Ranji Trophy game just a day after a five-match T20I series.

Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal Given a Break

Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal were given a break for the five-match T20I series starting on January 22, only to be asked to play in the domestic fixture starting a day later. Agarkar justified the decision, stating that there is plenty of time for them to play in the Ranji Trophy game, which is scheduled for January 23.

Mohammed Siraj Misses Out on Champions Trophy Squad

The chief selector explained the reason for the absence of Mohammed Siraj, the most high-profile non-selection for the Champions Trophy. Agarkar stated that the decision was made to pick a squad with options for both new ball and back-end bowling, with Jasprit Bumrah's fitness status uncertain.

Karun Nair Misses Out on Champions Trophy Squad

Agarkar was also empathetic towards Karun Nair, who scored 779 runs with five centuries in the Vijay Hazare competition. However, the selector stated that finding a spot in the team is very difficult, and unfortunately, Nair missed out on the Champions Trophy squad.

BCCI's Decision to Rest Players Defended

Agarkar denied that there is a diktat from the BCCI to play the domestic game, stating that it's just about playing cricket now. He emphasized that the team has a lot of depth in terms of T20 teams, and they can afford to rest a few players.