Indian women’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur and ODI skipper Mithali Raj met top BCCI officials in New Delhi on Monday, 26 November, to present their views on the selection call that has triggered a storm after India’s semi-final exit at the ICC Women’s World T20 in West Indies last week.
Veteran Raj was left out of the team despite being fit to play, a decision Kaur went on to justify even after a comprehensive 8-wicket loss to England on Friday, 23 November.
Both players, along with team manager Trupti Bhattacharya, met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim.
Yes, we (Johri and Karim) met Mithali, Harman and manager Trupti Bhattacharya. All of them met us separately and put across their viewpoints. We have noted everything downRahul Johri, BCCI CEO to PTI
Johri, however, refused to divulge the details of the meeting. Johri and Karim are expected to present a detailed report to the CoA, who will then assess the same and, if required, speak to the individuals concerned.
There is speculation that one of the CoA members has spoken to Raj but it couldn't be independently verified.
Coach Ramesh Powar is also expected to meet Johri and Karim on Wednesday, 28 November. While not directly linked to the selection controversy in Antigua, Powar is unlikely to get an extension with his interim contract running out on 30 November.
While this may not exactly be related to the selection fiasco in Antigua but Powar is unlikely to get an extension as his interim contract ends on November 30. The BCCI will continue with its policy of inviting fresh applications for the coach's position, and Powar will also be eligible to apply.
“Even a player of Anil Kumble's stature was asked to re-apply and we don't see a reason why there should be an exception for Powar. Obviously, Ramesh can also apply but a fresh interviews of interested candidates will take place,” a senior BCCI official said on condition of anonymity.
A strong possibility exists that Raj may never play the shortest format for India again and, like her contemporary Jhulan Goswami, only concentrate on 50-over cricket.
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