Gavaskar tells national selectors to watch more Ranji matches

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar suggested that national selectors should watch more Ranji Trophy matches in order to have a better idea about the supply line of domestic cricket.

"The national selectors are seen watching international matches which features players who have already been selected," Gavaskar told NDTV on Saturday.

When asked why there hasn't been a single player from Rajasthan in the national team even after they have won successive Ranji Trophy titles, Gavaskar answered, "The selectors should be watching players like (Vineet) Saxena who had scored a double century or (Robin) Bist who had a fine season. Not to forget Ashok Menaria, who I believe is one for the future."

The legendary opener feels that now that selectors are paid handsomely, they should be ready to travel across the country and watch domestic matches.

"The selectors are now well compensated for being able to go around and not only watch matches in their home states. Once the dates of the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy are chalked out, the selectors should visit different zones to take a note of performers. For example, someone from West Zone should watch matches happening in the East Zone and vice-versa."

Gavaskar agreed that the "hype surrounding IPL" makes the selectors take a note of performances in the cash-rich league.

"Probably, it is the hype surrounding the IPL which is the reason for performances in the tournament getting more noticed. But IPL is only a Twenty20 tournament and that can't be a parameter to select team for Test matches. The criterion there is to select performers in Ranji Trophy."

The veteran of 125 Test matches feels that "selectors from zones are now selected by BCCI which was not the case earlier. Earlier, the selectors were recommended by zones and they were bound to show allegiance to that particular zone."