Former Indian wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra has officially joined the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) men’s selection committee, filling the position previously held by Salil Ankola. This decision was made by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which consists of Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjape.
Ratra’s Appointment and Background
Cricbuzz reported in January 2024 that the BCCI was seeking a new selector to represent the North Zone, as one current member was not expected to receive an extension. With Ankola and Ajit Agarkar both hailing from the same association and zone (West), Ankola was the likely candidate to be replaced.
Ajay Ratra, who made his international debut in 2002, has an impressive cricketing background. He played six Tests and 12 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India and has a wealth of experience in domestic cricket. Ratra has been involved in coaching roles, having served as the head coach for Assam, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, and was part of India’s support staff during the ODI leg of the South Africa tour in 2023.
Ratra’s Cricketing Achievements
Ratra’s career includes notable achievements, such as scoring an unbeaten 115 against the West Indies in 2002-03, making him the youngest wicketkeeper to score a Test century. He also played over 90 First Class matches, accumulating nearly 4,000 runs and over 240 dismissals for Haryana. His leadership skills were evident when he captained the India U-19 team to victory in the Youth World Cup in 2000.
The BCCI’s announcement highlighted Ratra’s role as a selector, stating, “As a selector, Mr. Ratra will work alongside the existing members of the selection committee to identify and support the next generation of cricketers who will represent India on the global stage.” The board emphasized that Ratra’s insights would be crucial in ensuring that the best talent is identified, nurtured, and given opportunities to excel at the highest level.
The selection committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian cricket, especially as the country prepares for upcoming international tournaments. With Ratra’s appointment, the committee aims to build a strong foundation for the next generation of players, ensuring that India remains competitive on the world stage.
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