New Delhi: Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar hit out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors for not including Ajinkya Rahane in the T20I squad that is scheduled to compete against Australia in a three-match series beginning on October 7.
In an interview with NDTV, Gavaskar was critical of the selectors decision to exclude Rahane, who had smashed four consecutive half-centuries in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.
He questioned, “Why is a man with four consecutive fifties not in the team?”
He also expressed doubts over KL Rahul’s inclusion in the T20I squad as he said, “KL Rahul is a fine player but he did not play a single match in the One-Day series. So why is he in the team and Rahane who has got four half-centuries not in the team?”
The former Indian captain wasn’t finished there as he further demanded an explanation for this move.
“Some reason has to be given by the selection committee.”
“For a man who didn’t find a place for the last five-six One-day games for India finds a place in the T20 team when the man who has played six ODI’s after the fourth ODI in Sri Lanka and has scored four half-centuries doesn’t. So please explain to me how he finds himself out of the T20 side,” he further added.
You can watch the video here-Sunil Gavaskar Lashes Out At Selectors For Not Including Rahane In T20Is vs Australia
Rahane replaced Shikhar Dhawan and opened the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. The 29-year-old made good use of this opportunity and registered scores of 5, 55, 70, 53 and 61 in the ODI series against Australia and he was adjudged the ‘Man of the Series’ during India’s tour of the West Indies earlier this year.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Rahane on his omission from the T20I team said, “Yes, so much cricket we play, the team management, selectors take a decision and we respect it. Speaking about the competition, it is necessary and it helps you to give your best performance. Whoever gets a chance does well for the team. I have always enjoyed the competition.”