Chetan Sharma resigns as BCCI's chairman of selectors following controversy
What's the story
In a new development, Chetan Sharma has stepped down as BCCI's chairman of selectors in the aftermath of the sting operation controversy. According to ANI, the former pacer sent his resignation to board secretary Jay Shah, who accepted it. Notably, Sharma came under the scanner after Zee News conducted a sting operation on him. He allegedly made several sensational revelations. Here's more.
Controversy
How did Sharma land in hot waters?
Sharma, a former Indian international, was reinstated by the BCCI after being removed following India's ouster in the ICC T20 World Cup last year. Notably, the national selectors are bounded by contract and should not speak to the media. However, Sharma, during the sting operation, made several sensational claims. He even stated that some players take injections to attain match fitness.
Details
Chetan Sharma's tenure as BCCI selector
Sharma was appointed as the BCCI's chief selector in December 2020 when he replaced Sunil Joshi. His first tenure was marred with controversies as the inconsistent team selection largely came under the scanner. Subsequently, his entire committee was terminated after the T20 WC, and the BCCI invited fresh applicants. Sharma, who was among the 12 shortlisted for the interview, retained his post.
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His comments on the Kohli-Ganguly saga
Sharma stated that former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had no role in the sacking of Virat Kohli as ODI captain. The decision was collectively taken by the selection committee. ''We weren't favoring Rohit Sharma. We were just against Virat Kohli'', Sharma said. Notably, Kohli was keen to continue as Test and ODI captain after stepping down as T20I skipper following the 2021 T20 WC.
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Ganguly asked Kohli to reconsider his decision: Sharma
Notably, Ganguly had claimed that Kohli was asked to reconsider his decision to quit T20I captaincy. However, Kohli stated that no such request was made. Sharma revealed that Ganguly did ask Kohli to reconsider in a video conference but the latter might not have heard. He even alleged that Kohli's ego got hurt and he tried to defame Ganguly in the media.
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What did he say about Bumrah's injury?
Sharma also revealed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah couldn't even 'bend his back', and was cleared to play the Australia T20I series in September 2022. His back pain got extravagated and the same ruled him out of the 2022 T20 WC. The former pacer also stated that there are players taking injections on their own to hide injuries and play matches.
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Pandya, Rohit come to my home: Sharma
In another revelation, Sharma said that several players like Hardik Pandya and Rohit, among others, maintain a healthy link with him. "Players come to my home to talk about their future. Hardik Pandya was sleeping on my sofa that day and talking to me. Pandya is the future of India. He's the most humble cricketer. He came to my house recently," added Sharma.