‘What’s the importance of Ranji?’ Wicket-keeper batsman slams India selectors for ignoring ‘small state’ cricketers
Saurashtra batsman Sheldon Jackson appealed to the selectors in a series of tweets for more transparency in the selection process
cricket Updated: Sep 04, 2019 16:27 IST
Saurashtra wicket-keeper batsman Sheldon Jackson has raised questions on the policy followed by the national selectors to choose players for India A team. Jackson, who averages close to 50 in first-class cricket, accused the selectors for what he believes is a bias against players coming from small states. The attacking wicket-keeper batsman, who has played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, appealed to the selectors in a series of tweets for more transparency in the selection process.
“Saurashtra has played the Ranji Trophy final this year, and surprisingly still no player, even after performing at all platforms, get picked for the A series. So is the importance of playing the Ranji Trophy finals zero (sic.),” he said.
1/1 Saurashtra has played the ranji trophy finals this year, and surprisingly still no player even after performing at all platforms, dont get picked for the A series. so is the importance of playing the Ranji trophy finals zero.
— Sheldon Jackson (@ShelJackson27) September 2, 2019
“Or is that small state sides aren’t taken seriously coz in the last 5 years @saucricket has played 3 finals under sitanshu kotaks coaching, (we have some very good performers since recent years with the bat and ball) but did not get the deserved credit (sic).
2/2 or is that small state sides arnt taken seriously coz in the last 5 years @saucricket has played 3 finals under sitanshu kotaks coaching, (we have some very good performers since recent years with the bat and ball. ) but not got the deserved credit.
— Sheldon Jackson (@ShelJackson27) September 2, 2019
“I am told not to question, but i strongly believe that we represent this beautiful organisation and association and we as players surely deserve to know why, and where we lack, or else our carriers are just going to end wondering why selectors should be transparent (sic),” he said.
i am told not to question, but i strongly believe that we represent this beautiful organisation and association and we as players surely deserve to know why, and where we lack , orelse our carriers are just to goin to end wondering why🙏🏻. selectors should be transparent.
— Sheldon Jackson (@ShelJackson27) September 2, 2019
It is to be mentioned that despite performing consistently in the last few domestic seasons, Jackson has never been considered for the Indian side.
He later tweeted a screenshot of Ranji Trophy satistics, highlighting the numbers of Saurashtra players.
— Sheldon Jackson (@ShelJackson27) September 2, 2019
(With inputs from agencies)
First Published: Sep 04, 2019 14:53 IST