People who weren't supposed to be in selection meetings, attended in my tenure: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri added in his seven years tenure, he wasn't invited in Indian team's selection meetings.

Ravi Shastri, former India cricket team head coach dropped a bombshell when he revealed that during his seven-year tenure not once was he invited to be part of the Indian team selection meetings and suggested that many other who shouldn’t have been there were present.

Ravi Shastri joined the team as head coach in 2017 after the tumultuous tenure of Anil Kumble had ended and along with then captain Virat Kohli, took the Indian team to new heights, especially in Test cricket.

While an ICC title always eluded the Indian team under Ravi Shastri, the side registered memorable series wins over Australia Down Under, and also dished out strong performances in England and South Africa, while registering limited-overs series wins in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri left his role in 2021 following the T20 World Cup, which followed a chaotic few months for Indian cricket; while Virat Kohli was removed as captain in ODIs, the star batter left the leadership role in Tests a month later.

And now, Shastri has revealed that he has never been a part of one but stated that the meetings were attended by many who were “not supposed” to take part.

“I have zero first-hand experience. In the seven years, I was part of the team, I never went near a selection meeting. I wasn't invited either. I think, in the long run, yes. As a coach, you spend a lot of time with the boys, it's important; not in the voting capacity, but at least to hear what's the selectors are thinking, what's their train of thought. And then, to decide what the right thing for the side,” Shastri told ESPNCricinfo.

I have zero idea how it starts: Ravi Shastri on the BCCI selection meetings for the Indian team

Kohli also had a fallout with then-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, and there were reports that the board chief was also present in selection meetings throughout his tenure.

When asked about insights on discussions that take place during a selection meeting, Shastri also added that he had zero idea how it started and how it ended. He added that there were 3-4 people present in those meetings which was unlawful as per BCCI constitution.

“I have zero idea how it starts, and how it finishes, and who are there in the meeting. From what I gather, there were a lot of people over the last 3-4 years inside the selection meetings, who were not supposed to be there. It's against the constitution,” Shastri further said.

Ganguly left his role as BCCI President in October last year with Roger Binny succeeding the former captain in the role.