New Delhi: Ajay Ratra, a former wicketkeeper for the Indian cricket team, has been appointed as a selector for the men’s cricket team by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He will replace Salil Ankola in the five-member selection panel. Each selector in the committee represents a different zone in India, and Ratra will now represent the North Zone. The selection panel is headed by Ajit Agarkar, and Ratra’s appointment is a part of the BCCI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the selection process.
BCCI’s Official Statement
In a statement released by the BCCI, it was announced, “The Cricket Advisory Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Ajay Ratra as the new member of the men’s selection committee, replacing Salil Ankola.” This change is effective immediately, with Ratra taking on his new role just as the Duleep Trophy is set to begin.
Ajay Ratra’s Reaction
Upon his appointment, Ratra expressed his excitement and determination to contribute to Indian cricket. He said, “It is a great honor and challenge. I am looking forward to contributing to Indian cricket.” This appointment comes after a rigorous selection process by the Cricket Advisory Committee, which included interviews with several candidates. Ratra was chosen over others, including Reetinder Singh Sodhi, Ajay Mehra, and Shakti Singh, making him the ideal candidate for the role.
Who is Ajay Ratra?
Ajay Ratra made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 2002. He played as a wicketkeeper-batsman and appeared in six Test matches and 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) during his brief international career. One of the highlights of his career was scoring an unbeaten 115 runs against the West Indies in a Test match held in Antigua. This century made him the youngest wicketkeeper to score a century in a Test match at the time.
Although his international career was short-lived, lasting only about six months, Ratra made a significant impact during his tenure. After retiring from international cricket, he transitioned into coaching. He is a Level 3 coach and has coached several domestic teams, including Assam, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. He has also worked extensively with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and was part of the Indian team’s coaching staff during the ODI series in South Africa last year.
His Recent Role
Recently, Ajay Ratra was a part of the support staff for the India A women’s team that toured Australia. His experience and knowledge of the game have made him a valuable asset to Indian cricket, both as a player and now as a selector.
Importance of His Appointment
Ratra’s appointment as a selector is crucial, especially with the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19. His role will involve selecting the best players for the national team, ensuring that India continues to perform at the highest level. The BCCI has given the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, the responsibility to build a strong team for future tournaments.
The Selection Process
The process to find a new selector began earlier this year, with the BCCI inviting applications in January. After careful consideration and interviews conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee, Ratra was selected for the role. His appointment fills the gap left by Chetan Sharma, who stepped down from the selection panel in February 2023. Since then, the North Zone did not have a representative in the selection committee, a gap that Ratra’s appointment has now filled.
In conclusion, Ajay Ratra’s new role as a selector for the Indian cricket team is seen as a positive move for Indian cricket. His extensive experience as a player, coach, and now selector, combined with his dedication to the game, makes him well-suited to help guide the team to future success. The cricketing community looks forward to seeing the impact he will have on the team in the coming years.
