Former Indian selector MSK Prasad has said that the current Indian team is successful only because of the bench strength strategy of shortlisting 60 to 80 players.
“Through India A cricket, we shortlisted some 60 to 80 players that we wanted to follow in domestic cricket,” Prasad, a former India wicketkeeper-batsman was quoted as saying in The Cricket Monthly.
“We posted ourselves for all those matches where these 60 players were playing. Otherwise, you have 15-16 first-class matches going on every day. You can’t keep running here and there.”
He said the effort got paid off during India’s tour of Australia where a completely young side has dominated on strong Australian side and defeated them on their home soil.
“How did we identify those 60 players? [We looked for] consistent performers over the last two years in different formats, who will be the ideal successors for players who, four years down the line, might get superannuated in the senior team. For example, Murali Vijay. We had Mayank Agarwal and Priyank Panchal ready,” said Prasad.
The selected players picked were sent to either India A side or as bench strength in the national side. The players would also be given a programme for training and keeping themselves fit.
“Earlier every bowler used to think from his mind-set and from his own trial-and-error methods. They would keep trying to do things, but today everything is pre-set and pre-programmed. You have a clear-cut plan, what sort of lines and lengths you have to bowl to a particular batter and which are the areas where he is weak,” said Prasad.
“They are sure of their bowling, they know how to get batsmen out, and they are fit enough to keep doing it. Earlier bowlers used to do well for two Tests, get injured, and come back after two three series. That is not happening anymore. Credit should be given to Shankar Basu and the other trainers and physios at the NCA,” he said.
