India’s former wicketkeeper-batter Ajay Ratra is now part of the BCCI men’s selection committee that will be headed by Ajit Agarkar. He was selected to fill Salil Ankola’s space in the committee.
“The objective for Mr. Ratra as a selector will be to identify and help groom India’s next generation cricketers who will represent the country on the world stage,” BCCI stated.
Internationally, Ratra played for just about eight months in 2002, during which he amassed 253 runs across all formats while making 27 dismissals.
“It’s really significant for me, it poses a great challenge. I anticipate to render my services towards Indian cricket,” Ratra said after hearing from BCCI.
He played domestically for Haryana and has an experience of playing 99 First Class matches, 89 List A games and 17 T20s. In his career, he scored over 5000 plus runs and made more than 350 dismissals.
Ratra possesses vast experience in coaching having been a Head Coach for Teams Assam, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. He was also part of the coaching staff of the Indian team during their ODI series in South Africa in 2023.
“His insights will be instrumental to the committee to ensure that best talent is identified, nurtured and given opportunity at the highest level”, statements added.
Ratra will work with SS Das, Subroto Banerjee and Sridharan Sarath who are also members of the selection committee. His first job will be assisting Agarkar et al to finalize India’s Test squad ahead of two-match series against Bangladesh at home starting from September 19.
Many top Indian cricketers are set for action during Duleep Trophy that shall commence from September 5th year. The competition which commences India’s domestic season is chance to get into red-ball mode for regulars while others who are just coming up will end up leaving their impression behind them.
