Former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra has been selected to join the national men’s team selection committee, filling the vacant position left by Salil Ankola. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which includes members Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjape, confirmed Ratra’s appointment as Ankola’s replacement.
The decision comes on the heels of a significant development in January 2024, when Cricbuzz reported that the BCCI was actively seeking a new selector to represent the North Zone. This search was driven by the expectation that one of the current incumbent members would not receive an extension. Ankola’s departure appeared imminent as he and Ajit Agarkar, the current head of the selection committee, both hail from the same association and zone — the West Zone — creating a redundancy in representation.
Ajay Ratra, who has donned the Indian jersey in 6 Tests and 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), is well-respected within cricketing circles for his comprehensive understanding of the game and his hands-on experience. Beyond his international career, Ratra has made significant contributions to Indian domestic cricket. He has served as the head coach for several state teams such as Assam, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, where he played a crucial role in nurturing young talent and improving team performances.
In addition to his extensive coaching career, Ratra was also a member of India’s support staff during the ODI leg of their tour to South Africa in 2023. This experience further solidified his credentials and made him an apt choice for the role of a selector.
Salil Ankola’s exit from the selection committee had been anticipated for some time. The primary reason cited for Ankola’s removal was the duplication of zonal representation within the committee. Both he and Ajit Agarkar are associated with the West Zone, and the BCCI rules stipulate a balanced representation of all zones within the selection committee. Ankola, an experienced ex-cricketer himself, had served the committee with dedication during his tenure but had to make way for an enhancement in geographical representation.
Ajay Ratra’s inclusion is thus seen as a strategic move by the BCCI to bring in fresh perspectives while adhering to the representation criteria.
. His background in coaching across various states and his international exposure is expected to bring valuable insights to the selection processes, ensuring a more balanced and well-rounded approach in team selections.
Ajay Ratra’s career has been marked by several memorable moments. Born on December 13, 1981, in Faridabad, Haryana, he burst onto the international cricket scene as a young and promising wicketkeeper-batsman. During his short but impactful international career, he became the youngest wicketkeeper to score a century in Test cricket. This feat was achieved during India’s tour of the West Indies in 2002 when he scored an unbeaten 115 in Antigua.
Post his playing days, Ratra transitioned into coaching, contributing significantly to the domestic circuit. His coaching stints with Assam, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh are remembered for the progress these teams showed under his guidance. He is credited with introducing and implementing modern coaching techniques, thereby enhancing player performance and team results.
For the BCCI, adding someone of Ratra’s stature and experience to the selection committee aligns with their vision of having knowledgeable and seasoned individuals in pivotal roles. The selection committee plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian cricket by identifying and nurturing talent, strategizing player selections for tours, and ensuring the team composition is apt for different formats of the game.
In concluding this significant development, it is pertinent to note that Ajay Ratra’s appointment is expected to bring a well-balanced approach to the selection process, with a focus on merit and performance. His understanding of the modern game and player dynamics will be invaluable to the committee. As he steps into this new role, the Indian cricketing community looks forward to the positive changes his insights and strategies will bring to the national team setup.
The cricketing fraternity, fans, and analysts will closely watch how Ratra’s induction influences the overall selection strategy and team performance in upcoming tournaments and series. It marks a promising chapter for Indian cricket as it continues to strive for excellence on the global stage.