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 However much the BCCI underline their constitutional passages which prevent office bearers of state associations from being national selectors, the cold truth is that India's best selector in recent years was around for just two seasons.
In his tenure, Vengsarkar took some unpopular decisions, but who can say they turned out to be wrong? He and his committee infused some hot young legs in one-day cricket that helped win contests in Australia and Sri Lanka, two of cricket's sharpest outfits. After all, these two countries competed in the final of the last World Cup.
Cynics also were amazed when Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh were not picked for the England tour where India recorded their first series win since 1986. Indeed, the former captain enjoyed the rub of the green.
Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, great one-day players in their time, were soon to lose their places. Good selection is not only about picking new players but also knowing when to give the old ones a tap on the shoulder. Vengsarkar did not move up the popularity stakes universally for these two decisions, but like Paul Anka's words in that great Sinatra signature track, Vengsarkar can say, 'I did it my way.'
Excerpts from an interview:
Is it difficult to be philosophical about missing out on another term just because there is a clause which says an office bearer of an association cannot be a selector?
I did the job with great passion, commitment and integrity. I travelled all over the country watching youngsters play and to get the best combination match after match, series after series. In the bargain, I had to forgo a lot of income as I was doing an honorary job. Nobody could doubt my intentions and the results are there for all to see. Indian and Mumbai cricket have always been very close to my heart and will remain so. We have made this team as one of the top outfits in world cricket and the onus now is on the new selection committee to take it further.
You will always be remembered as India's most successful selector. How did you go about your job in 2006?
Being the chairman of TRDO, a wing that was started by BCCI to spot talent helped me great deal as I did not have to do much homework where bench strength was concerned. Besides, my experience as chairman of Mumbai's selection committee for close to a decade (with a gap of two years after a four-year term) helped me in my decision-making. Most importantly, a selector must have vision, courage and conviction to take tough calls. I guess I did not fall short on these qualities at any time during my tenure.
You were not afraid of being unpopular. The big decisions being Dravid's exclusion from the one-day team followed by Ganguly's omission. You didn't even have Sehwag in England last year and we won. What do you make of those decisions on after thought?
Well, they were tough calls. Rahul, Sourav and Sehwag are top-class players and have served the game splendidly over the years. However, as selectors we have to look at the larger interest of Indian cricket at all times. Besides, with so much international cricket being played these days, as well as injuries to key players, we have to look to the future and to the bench strength to take us ahead. The competition for slots too brings out the best in players. Whenever we picked somebody, we backed him to the hilt. At the same time, if somebody was dropped, we didn't ignore him but made sure that he was monitored; never neglected.
They say luck is an important aspect in cricket. In that sense, you enjoyed your fair share.
Yes, I agree. But fortune always favours the brave.
Do you see young players setting a trend in a generation where thriving on opportunity has become more common?
In any walk of life, it's very important to grab the opportunity when it comes your way. That requires not only the skill but more importantly mental toughness. Some have it in-born and others develop it with time. 'Bigger the platform, better the performance' should be the mantra of every cricketer. It must bring out the best in the player. That's why the mentally tougher ones achieve greater goals.
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Dilip Vengsarkar | Need to do something about our pitches: Vengsarkar
Picking MS Dhoni as one-day captain has turned out to be a masterstroke...
I am very fond of Dhoni as a cricketer. He is extremely modest, hardworking and dedicated. I like his body language and the way he approaches his game. He likes to take risks and is not afraid of losing in the bargain. He is hugely respected by all his teammates and has great man-management skills. We knew it and decided to go with him though he did not have experience of leading any team before. We had the confidence that he would deliver and he did.
You must be delighted that the state of Indian cricket is better as compared to when you took guard as selector. In fact, India's turnaround after a poor World Cup has been one of the most underplayed stories in international cricket. What went into this success story?
I feel the state of Indian cricket is at its best for a long time. The team is among the top three in world cricket and that's a huge achievement. I give all credit to my colleagues, who stood by me in all decision-making and backed me to the hilt. I guess it's important to create competition for each slot and do not allow anybody to get into a comfort zone. That was our strong point and that did the trick. The next three years or so will be very important for Indian cricket as we have good bench strength. However, it remains to be seen how it is best utilised to take the team further.
Surely though, there are aspects in Indian cricket which need improving. Can you elaborate on these areas?
The National Cricket Academy must play a very important role. The planning and programs have to be precise and result-oriented as it is supposed to act as a supply line to Indian cricket.
The state-level academies too could play a crucial role in producing top quality players. The wickets need tremendous improvement. We are groping in the dark for years as to how to go about things. We have seminars and committees. However, nothing positive has really come out of it. There is just no accountability which is sad, but very true.
'A' team tours and programs are very crucial for the future of Indian cricket. They must be done on an urgent basis.
Quality of umpiring at domestic level needs massive improvement. The BCCI is putting efforts in that direction, but I guess it's not enough and there is lot more to be done.
Aren't you proud that selectors will now be paid professionals and it came about because you raised a flag when you were asked to stop earning from writing, but still do an honorary job as selector?
I am happy that the BCCI has taken a decision to pay selectors. Mind you, it's a very tough job. The travelling and watching matches all over the country could take its toll. It is not only physically tiring but mentally demanding. However, I would have been happier had they paid Rs 1 crore to the chairman and 50 lakh to other selectors.
Finally, a few words on your successor K Srikkanth. Which quality in him will make him a good selector?
He is an easy-going, fun-loving person. He is good at heart and a dear friend. I hope he takes Indian cricket further. My good wishes are always with him.
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