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With the process for the north zone selector position of the BCCI currently underway, CricBlogger has learned that four notable former cricketers from the north zone have been interviewed, including Ritender Singh Sodhi, Ajay Ratra, Shakti Singh, and Ajay Mehra. The series of interviews happened on Wednesday.Â
Would there be more? Vijay Dahiya, a former cricketer and commentator, is seen as a close confidante of Gautam Gambhir, making Dahiya a strong candidate despite not being available for the initial round of interviews. His absence could complicate his immediate selection, but his close association with to-be-named Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir might still keep him in the running.
Among the interviewed, Sodhi, a former Indian cricketer from Punjab, is in the line-up. He also talked about candidates in the past. Another former Indian wicket keeper from Haryana, Ajay Ratna, brings valuable experience and insights to the game.
Ajay Mehra, another former Ranji Trophy cricketer from Punjab, whose domestic cricket experience could provide a strong understanding of the regional talent pool. His exposure as the number-1 domestic commentator for the official broadcaster of BCCI adds up to a valuable candidate.
From Himachal Pradesh, Shakti Singh, a match referee in domestic cricket, including the IPL, offers a unique perspective from his officiating background.
With Gautam Gambhir poised to take over as the head coach, his influence on the selection of the north zone selector panel is evident. If Gambhir favors Dahiya for the role, it could sway the final decision despite Dahiya missing the interview. This influence underscores the interconnected nature of cricket administration and coaching appointments.
If the cricket advisory committee — headed by another former Indian cricketer, Ashok Malhotra along with other members like Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik — values Gambhir’s input and Dahiya’s credentials, there could be flexibility in the selection process to accommodate Dahiya, possibly through a follow-up interview or direct appointment.
Alternatively, if the committee prioritizes the formal interview process and the availability of candidates, one of the interviewed candidates (Sodhi, Ratra, Mehra, or Singh) is more likely to be appointed. As it may turn out that the selection for the north zone selector position remains uncertain, the influence of Gambhir and the committee’s considerations will be pivotal.
The outcome could favor a candidate with strong regional ties and a solid cricketing background, potentially accommodating Gambhir’s preferences if aligned with the committee’s evaluation criteria.
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