Imagine this: the next Indian cricket squad isn’t revealed through a quick press conference with a two-line justification that leaves fans guessing. Instead, the entire selection meeting unfolds right in front of millions of cricket lovers on live television. Every heated debate, every deep dive into player stats, every clash of opinions between selectors and coaches—all laid bare for the world to see. Manoj Tiwary isn’t holding back, calling for full transparency after Iyer and Jaiswal were shockingly omitted from the Asia Cup squad.
The Squad That Sparked a Storm
When chief selector Ajit Agarkar and skipper Suryakumar Yadav announced India’s 20-member Asia Cup squad, few expected two big Mumbai names to miss out—Shreyas Iyer wasn’t even in the reserves, and Yashasvi Jaiswal ended up only making the reserve list. Cue the outrage.
Manoj Tiwary wasn’t holding back. He blasted the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir for snubbing two players with serious T20 credentials. Jaiswal, after all, has a strike rate north of 160 in T20Is, while Iyer has been a proven middle-order performer and a successful IPL captain. The former cricketer’s biggest gripe? The selection process feels like a closed-door affair with minimal accountability.
Why Live Selection Could Be a Game-Changer
Let’s be honest—televising squad selection sounds wild at first. But think about it. The IPL auction is already a primetime spectacle. Fans love seeing the drama unfold: bids flying, team owners sweating, players celebrating. Why can’t national team selections have some of that transparency?
Tiwary argues that if fans watched selectors debate strike rates, fitness reports, and team combinations live, it would kill the conspiracy theories before they even start. No more “this player was dropped because of politics” whispers. No more midnight Twitter wars over favoritism.
Plus, it might even push selectors and coaches to back up their calls with solid cricketing logic rather than vague lines like “he doesn’t fit the team’s plans right now.” Imagine hearing Gambhir explain why someone with 700+ T20I runs at a strike rate of 164 didn’t cut. That’s content gold right there.
But Would It Really Work?
Here’s the catch: cricket selections aren’t always black-and-white. Sometimes players are dropped for reasons fans might not like—fitness, attitude, team balance, or even future planning. Airing all that on TV could create more drama than clarity.
And let’s face it: selectors aren’t exactly entertainers. A two-hour live broadcast of statistical arguments might excite hardcore fans but bore casual viewers. Plus, players hearing blunt feedback on live TV? That might ruffle feathers quicker than a gust hitting a paper kite.
Manoj Tiwary’s demand for live selection might be ambitious, but it highlights a real issue—fans crave transparency, especially when big names like Iyer and Jaiswal get snubbed. Whether it’s live TV, a post-selection breakdown, or even open Q&A sessions, the BCCI can’t ignore the growing call for clarity.
FAQs
- What does Tiwary suggest for improving the selection process?
He suggests broadcasting the selection process live for transparency and accountability.
- What are Shreyas Iyer’s recent T20I stats?
Iyer has scored 1,104 runs in 47 T20I innings, including eight fifties.
- How has Yashasvi Jaiswal performed in T20Is?
Jaiswal has 723 runs in 23 T20Is at an average of 36.15 with a strike rate of 164.31.
- What role does Gautam Gambhir play in this controversy?
As India’s head coach, Gambhir was criticized for not backing Jaiswal despite previously praising him.
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