The Rahane selectors change concept has soon been the hot in the Indian cricket. The finding of an ex-Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has been a controversial one that challenges the entire basis of the selection of cricketers in India. In his opinion, the selectors must never intimidate the players, and also, he feels that only those roles should be occupied by professionals who are already retired in the recent past. His remarks have sparked the fairness, transparency and modernization debate in the Indian cricket system.

Rahane in an honest interview with a fellow player called Cheteshwar Pujara on his YouTube channel discussed a major problem that not many other players talked out publicly, which is the fear of selectors. He claimed that the players are usually reluctant to be open and express themselves or to play freely fearing that a single mistake will make them lose the job in the team.

To correct this, the Rahane selectors change proposal proposes appointment of selectors that has been playing the game in the recent past; less than five years and less than eight years. His reasoning? The current generation of cricketers can only imagine what current players are going through, regardless of it being the psychological strain, physical conditioning, or the breath-taking speed of a T20 or an IPL game.

Players must not be afraid of selectors, said Rahane. They are supposed to express their feelings and problems freely. He further explained that in case a selector has been out of the game decades, he or she may not be at a position to comprehend the thinking of the current generation. It is aimed at developing the culture where selectors and players do not see each other as superiors and subordinates.

At present the majority of the state and national selectors are selected according to the old BCCI rules, which were a standard, i.e., they must have a set number of first-class games, and must also have retired some five years in the past. As much as that is reasonable, Rahane feels that it is obsolete.

The cricket according to him, has evolved at a greater pace compared to the selection system. Players are struggling with problems that did not exist two decades ago, technology, analytics, and various forms of it. Unless the selectors have been put through a real-life pressure T20 scenario, or the equivalent IPL level of work, I am asking how can they possibly assess the readiness of someone to play in the modern day?

The idea by Rahane does not only reach the very top. He desires this philosophy to be continued to state associations and domestic circuits as well. Each part, he says, is entitled to selectors who know the beat of modern day cricket–and to players who are able to express their will without apprehending criticism or partiality.

Cheteshwar Pujara who also took part in the same talk, had a lot of similarity with the points that Rahane presented, but he introduced some finesse. He admitted that the Rahane selectors change concept is reasonable and more so to large states where many former-players exist to pick.

Nevertheless, he observed that the smaller state associations may not be able to get the numbers of recently retired cricketers who may have the right experience or desire to take up the job. Pujara too indicated that experience need not necessarily be unqualified. He said that some retired cricketers of 15 or 20 years ago keep abreast of the modern game, keep a keen eye on it and can add value.

The two men also admitted that the existing system should be reformed. Pujara stressed on the need to provide the domestic performers with proper recognition which is a similar idea that Rahane brought out, expressing that fresh eyes and empathy are a need in making selections.

It is bigger than the headlines what Rahane is proposing; namely, a move to change the culture of how Indian cricket is run. The Rahane selectors change concept is an extension of the same development that has taken place in the sport. Cricket now requires flexibility, free flow, and emotional alertness-vices which Rahane thinks should also be relayed on the selection processes.

However, by the virtue of makers of the selections being more age and experience-near to active players, they can better relate and comprehend slumps of form or personal crises, and establish a culture of trust as opposed to tension. Simply put, Rahane would like selectors to operate as mentors and not gatekeepers.

The reason behind the demand to change Rahane selectors by Ajinkya Rahane is not a mere personal comment the thinking man will find it interesting to take note of, and that is one of the challenges the old form of cricket is facing. His words have begun a debate that, with or without action being taken on the same by the BCCI, may alter the manner in which Indian cricket recognizes and nurtures talent.

At this point it is at least evident that Rahane does not hesitate to be vocal, even when it allows him to ruffle a few feathers. And just such courage that Indian cricket needs to have to go on.

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