Former Indian batsman and a selector of the national team selector Dilip Vengsakrar said that it was his call to take Virat Kohli in the national team in 2008 despite reluctance from the then skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and head coach Gary Kirsten. They were willing to give Subramaniam Badrinath a longer run in the middle order.
Photo by Ron Gaunt / BCCI / SPORTZPICS
However, Vengsarkar was pretty impressed with Virat’s performance in the U-19 World Cup. Hence he first picked him in the Emerging player’s tournament. It took place in Australia. Vengsarkar was highly impressed with an innings which Virat played in that tournament. He scored a sensational 123 against a West Indies side. The Caribbeans had some Test players in their ranks.
Recalling the incident, Vengsarkar said that it was heartening to see a youngster perform brilliantly in tough conditions and against a quality bowling attack. When Vengskarkar watched his knock, he was pretty certain that Virat would go on to make a big name in international cricket and was a man for the long-term.
However, Dhoni and Gary Kirsten were not really in favour of Virat as they hadn’t seen enough of Virat Kohli with the bat yet. But Vengskarkar wanted him in the squad and needless it turned out to be a masterstroke.
Selection of Kohli ahead of Badrinath annoyed the then BCCI Treasurer
However, the move to select Kohli ahead of Badrinath annoyed the then BCCI treasurer N Srinivasan. He was the owner of the Chennai Super Kings. Badrinath was part of the franchise then. As per reports, Srinivasan reminded everyone that Badrinath had a great domestic season and scored over 800 runs.
However, Vengskarkar assured that Badrinath was in line for a call-up and he would be selected as and when a vacancy pops up.But Srinivasan made him pay for the call and raised the issue to Sharad Pawar. He was the BCCI chief then, and Vengsarkar was removed from his post.
“Srinivasan asked me on what basis Badrinath was axed, and I explained that I had been on the Emerging players’ tour to Australia where I saw Virat, who is an exceptional player and that is why he is in the team.”
“He argued that Badrinath has scored over 800 runs for Tamil Nadu. I told him he will get his chance. But the very next day, he took Srikkanth (who replaced Vengsarkar as the chief selector) to Sharad Powar and that was the end of my selection tenure”. Vengsarkar was quoted saying by TOI.
Here’s the Newsfeed:
Coach Lobera happy with FC Goa’s scoring prowess
WWE News: Planning Around 2018 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal