Southampton, July 12: Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has launched a blistering attack on India’s selection policy following the team’s disastrous white-ball tour of Ireland and England, alleging that all-rounder Suryansh Shedge was picked because of “quota” rather than merit.
With India reeling from a winless seven-match tour, a 4-0 T20I series whitewash against England and the loss of the No. 1 ICC T20I ranking, Srikkanth questioned the decisions of the selectors and team management, naming captain Shreyas Iyer and chief selector Ajit Agarkar while criticising Shedge’s inclusion in the squad.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, the former opener claimed the 23-year-old had done little in domestic or franchise cricket to justify an India call-up and suggested his selection was influenced by his association with Mumbai cricket and the Punjab Kings franchise.
“This is the guy they are trying to project as Hardik Pandya’s replacement. He has been picked because of the Mumbai and Punjab Kings quota,” Srikkanth said.
The former India captain further alleged that Shedge’s links with skipper Shreyas Iyer at Mumbai and Punjab Kings, coupled with Agarkar’s Mumbai background, played a role in his elevation to the national side.
“He has hardly done anything in the IPL and barely bowls. He is there because Shreyas Iyer is the Mumbai and Punjab Kings captain and Ajit Agarkar is the selector from Mumbai,” he alleged.
Srikkanth also questioned Shedge’s credentials as an all-rounder, arguing that his performances have fallen well short of international standards.
The criticism came after Shedge endured another difficult outing in the fifth T20I against England, scoring just seven runs from six deliveries before conceding 39 runs in three overs. His struggles had begun earlier in the Ireland series, where he managed only one run across two innings and went wicketless.
The former opener did not stop at Shedge. He also criticised Shivam Dube, insisting there were several players more deserving of opportunities in the national side.
Srikkanth named experienced all-rounders Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, along with Mohsin Khan and Gurnoor Brar, as players he believes should be considered ahead of the current selections.
He also questioned the continued exclusion of Rajat Patidar, arguing that the batter possesses a stronger all-round batting game than Dube, particularly against pace bowling.
The explosive remarks come at a time when India’s selection committee and team management are already facing mounting criticism over inconsistent team combinations and questionable tactical decisions throughout the England series. (Agencies)
