As the BCCI is seeking a North Zone senior national selector, there couldn’t be a more suitable candidate than Vijay Dahiya. Though sources indicate that his name is already doing the rounds, none from the BCCI are willing to spell out their choice.
Speculation is also rife because Dahiya and the to-be-coach of India, Gautam Gambhir, have been best of friends for over two decades. With Gambhir showing his interest and spelling it out as an honor to coach the Indian team, he would have also brought his choice of support staff. Naturally, a vacant slot indicates that Dahiya is a frontrunner to be the north zone selector.
When Gambhir was the captain of KKR, Dahiya served as the assistant coach of that franchise. When Gambhir was in the Delhi Capitals, Dahiya was the assistant coach. When Gambhir mentored the Lucknow Supergiants, Dahiya was the assistant coach there.
Now that Gambhir is supposed to be the head coach of the Indian team, Dahiya can’t be left behind — considering his wealth of experience as a domestic and IPL coach. He is also a successful commentator. All put together, he is a powerful candidate from the north zone. “He is bound to become the next North Zone selector. Who knows?” a source revealed.
With the BCCI already hunting for an ideal selector with an impressive profile, Dahiya’s name comes first in the pecking order. Ensuring North Zone representation was always in the plans, two selectors from the same zone and city weren’t working.
Either Ajit Agarkar or Salil Ankola had to take the exit route. With Agarkar being made the head of the committee, Ankola may make way for Dahiya.
Dahiya has played 2 Tests and 19 ODIs for India. He also captained Delhi and mentored many young cricketers from the state. Additionally, he coached the Uttar Pradesh cricket team and runs cricket clinics in Delhi.