Ajinkya Rahane has called for a major reform in India&rsquo;s cricket selection process, arguing that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should appoint selectors who have played the modern game recently rather than those retired long ago. 
However, his former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara believes such a change should be implemented cautiously.
Both Rahane and Pujara, once key members of India&rsquo;s Test side, are now focused on contributing to Indian cricket off the field. 
Speaking on Pujara&rsquo;s YouTube channel, Rahane said that selectors must be in sync with the evolving nature of the game.
&ldquo;Players should not be afraid of selectors,&rdquo; Rahane said. 
&ldquo;We should have selectors who have retired recently from top-flight cricket&mdash;five to eight years ago. The way cricket is evolving, the selectors&rsquo; mindset should match that pace. We shouldn&rsquo;t be making decisions based on how the game was played 20&ndash;30 years ago. With T20s and the IPL shaping players&rsquo; styles, selectors must understand modern cricket.&rdquo;
Currently, the BCCI&rsquo;s eligibility rule requires candidates to wait at least five years after retirement before applying for a selector&rsquo;s position. 
Rahane believes that guideline is outdated and limits the selection committee&rsquo;s ability to understand contemporary cricketing dynamics.
He pointed to figures like Ajit Agarkar and Pragyan Ojha, who have modern playing experience, as examples of selectors who bring fresh perspectives to team selection.
However, Pujara urged caution, warning that completely overhauling the system could mean losing valuable experience and wisdom from selectors who played in earlier eras.
&ldquo;In bigger states, this idea could work because there are many options,&rdquo; said Pujara, who hails from Saurashtra. 
&ldquo;But we shouldn&rsquo;t deprive experienced cricketers with strong records from becoming selectors just because they retired long ago. Their insights and experience are still valuable.&rdquo;
While Rahane&rsquo;s comments have sparked discussion on the need for modernization within the selection system, Pujara&rsquo;s balanced view underscores the importance of blending fresh perspectives with seasoned judgment in shaping Indian cricket&rsquo;s future.

Rahane and Pujara discuss cricket selection reforms

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Ajinkya Rahane urges BCCI to appoint recently retired cricketers as selectors

October 15, 2025 | 15:59 IST