I don't see anyone stepping into MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh's shoes: MSK Prasad

NEW DELHI: MSK Prasad’s ride as a national selector was never a smooth one. Besides fending off questions on the stature of his committee, he had to oversee a transition in Indian cricket while BCCI was going through tough times as a sports body over the last four years. As he vacates his position as the chairman of selectors, he spoke to TOI on a range of issues that have been the talking points in Indian cricket for the last four years.Excerpts…
Your selection panel had to endure harsh comments (like questions on your stature) all through the tenure…
Trevor Hons played only 6 Tests and he had been the chairman of Australian selection committee for the last couple of decades. He is highly respected for his commitment but not for the number games he played for his country. I believe in that kind of genuine respect rather than worrying about comments that has ulterior motives.
What were the major changes in the selection policy?
Primarily we wanted to have horses for courses. We had this goal of developing bench strength across all formats and we take pride in achieving our goal.
Your committee had to see phase out Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. How difficult is to deal with superstars country?
MSD & Yuvraj are legends of Indian cricket and I don’t really see anyone stepping into those shoes so easily. It is tough to deal with it. Our fundamental job is to identify fresh talent, groom him and induct him when the need arises and that is what we have done.
What was the most challenging phase?
Dropping Ashwin and Jadeja from white-ball cricket or preparing a successor for MS Dhoni— both were challenging as we are talking about legends who have been instrumental in taking Indian cricket to great heights.

There has also been a lot of criticism about not being able to have a solid No. 4 for the World Cup…
I don’t think we lost the World Cup because of No.4 position. Our topped the table leading to the semifinal. It was one bad session that cost us.
Your committee was also accused of not talking to players enough. Is it possible to explain every player?
I personally know how much of communication has gone to the players from my committee and I don’t need to justify it or show proofs for that.
Deciding the playing XI is not in selectors’ hands. But how much should the selectors talk about team composition with the team management?
I feel that it was one of the flaws in the new reforms and I wish that it should be amended. The selectors and the team management need to be on the same page about the future.
What are the areas that need to be worked on for a stronger future?
Players are subjected to lot of cricket. Somewhere we need to sit and decide what is the right number cricketing days that Indian cricketers should play in the best interest of them and Indian cricket.
The Test team looks very strong, thanks to the pace attack. How conscious were you of the fact that you need to have backups ready to maintain this tempo?
Getting the backups ready has been the mantra of our committee and we could succeed in it due the India ‘A’ shadow tour programs which we have designed along with Rahul Dravid & Ravi Shastri
With the Test and white-ball teams looking almost completely different, how much is continuity a problem?
Going forward we need to have horses for courses especially with so much of talent coming out every season. We are keen to do well and win the first ever Test championship and we are very much aware of the points system too. That is why we have rotated the players and got the right players ready for the Tests series.
How difficult was it to back KL Rahul who went through prolonged phase of poor form?
KL is phenomenal player and we all feel that he can play all 3 formats successfully. We have no doubts about his talent and hence we backed him.
Do you think labeling players as one-format players is a bit of problem?
If the players have the ability to adapt and play all the formats equally then he should do so.

How has it been to deal with Virat, Shastri and Kumble?
Everyone is a professional and everyone knows his job. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all 3 of them. It wouldn’t be appropriate if I don’t thank the captains MSD, Virat, Rohit & Ajinkya along with coaches Ravi, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid & their respective team managements with whom I have worked for the last 4 years.
And the BCCI administrators?
I was brought in when Shashank Manohar was the president and Anurag Thakur was the secretary. Anurag elevated me as the chairman. I would like to thank Anurag & Ajay Shirke because they have instilled confidence & strength in me with their unconditional support. I would like to thank all the past & present office bearers, members and staff with whom we have worked day in and day out for the last 4 years.
How do you see the roles of Sourav & Jay Shah in taking Indian cricket forward?
Sourav has tremendous record both as a player. He also has gone through the grind as administrator of CAB. With sufficient experience behind them, I have no doubts that they will take Indian cricket forward.