Recently, Sunil Gavaskar and a few other analysts alongside the former cricketers quoted that MSK Prasad-led selection panel is being influenced by the skipper Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri. However, MSK Prasad gave it back with stern statements over the comments.

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In an interview with Press Trust of India, the chairman of the selection committee spoke on a variety of issues ranging from the jibes on his stature, allegations that the team management bullies him, lack of vision and the ‘lame duck’ jibe by Sunil Gavaskar.

Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, Anshuman Gaekwad
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Prasad also hit out at the critics who constantly target the selection panel comprising of Prasad, Sarandeep Singh, Devang Gandhi, Jatin Paranjape and Gagan Khoda for their modest international record.

We are working in tandem – MSK Prasad

The selection panel combined has an experience of just 13 Test matches and the static is often brought up by critics. However, Prasad had an apt reply for all such allegations.

MSK Prasad (Image Credit: Google)

“Shastri and Kohli are the coach and captain of our senior team. Rahul Dravid looks after India A team. They have their roles and responsibilities cut out. We as selection committee have our roles and responsibilities. Working in tandem and in solidarity with Ravi, Virat and Rahul cannot be taken as being bullied.”

The Indian team departed for the US on Monday ahead of their full-fledged series against West Indies which gets underway on August 03. The Men in Blue will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests against the Jason Holder-led side.

The selection panel has been receiving constant criticism ever since India’s semi-final exit from the recently-concluded ICC World Cup 2019. Gavaskar was the latest to question the selectors over Kohli continuing as the skipper of the team across formats.

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MSK Prasad also reacted to former captain Sunil Gavaskar’s ‘lame ducks’ comment. Prasad said it was very unfortunate to hear such words from a respected figure.