Hence, I tried to figure out what were the areas of improvement for BCCI?
- A permanent Manager is important - the BCCI seems to have made some progress on this front. They have appointed Ranjib Biswal for the last few tours, especially after the restaurant fiasco during the World T20. Will it be followed as a practice or was this a one-off stance? Time will tell.
- NCA was supposed to have a camp for spinners. Looking at our spinners on display at the Lankan series, one wonders if there is any progress on the intentions. Who next is the question on everyone's minds? Because of lack of choice, Harbhajan Singh is still playing for the national team even with repeated poor performances.
- A committee of Senior players (someone more accountable than Shastri, Gavaskar & Pataudi) who will lay the mandate for the Selection Committee, Coaches and Indian players. This committee will oversee on a periodic basis, the progress being made by the Indian team on various aspects. They will also discuss with the selectors on the various strategies (short, mid, long terms) that the team has to take to retain and continue with the top rankings.
- Indian Cricket Players Organization was launched way back in 2002. Nothing of note has come out of the organization even when players like Tendulkar, Dravid are playing for the country. This is very important for the players to voice their concerns and opinions on various issues that come in their way. It now looks like the team has no say in any matters, cricketing or not.
- Player Mentor - Again, after the IPL, there were suggestions that a senior player would take care of the youngsters in the team and ensure that they dont err because of their exposure to the excessive money involved. Will Anil Kumble get involved in such a venture?
- Contract committee - this team should review the performances of the players in the National team as well as 'A' teams and suggest who need to be covered under the contract.
- NCA needs to be revamped and continuous review of the happenings is essential to keep the associated people of NCA on their toes. They will have to keep track of the fitness issues of players (those under contract) and ensure that the breakdown of players doesn't happen repeatedly.
- The current Pitch committee is not working for domestic matches. They will have to be reviewed and necessary changes incorporated.
- Talent identification - All IPL teams have one while there is none at the national level. Why? Is the BCCI not worried about finding the next Sachin Tendulkar or Kapil Dev?
- Captaincy support - When MS Dhoni fails in one or two series, who will he go to? Is there a system where he can take advice from the likes of Sourav Ganguly or Azharuddin?
- Innovative practices has to be introduced regularly based on the happenings around the world. A Center of Excellence would be good to take Indian cricket to the pinnacle. This will ensure that the Indian team stays ahead of the rest of the World in all aspects.
- I am not getting into the financial aspects of the Board as we know how messy and dirty they can get.
