Devang Gandhi says communication easier with contemporaries

Devang Gandhi, the former India batsman and now a member of the newly elected selection panel, has said having contemporaries as teammates in the panel will aid in communication.

Devang Gandhi has represented India in four Tests in 1999.

Newly appointed national selector Devang Gandhi said having his contemporaries as fellow colleagues in the selection panel would make the job easier.

“When I made my debut (in 1999), M. S. K. (Prasad, the new chairman of selectors) was already part of the team. I have also played with Sarandeep (Singh), Gagan (Khoda) and Jatin (Paranjape). Having played together, communication will not be an issue for us,” Gandhi told Sportstar on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old Kolkata based cricketer, who played four Test matches and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the country, said his recent experience of working as a television commentator would also help him. “As a commentator I have covered domestic cricket for the last three years and has gotten a fair idea about the present state of Indian cricket.”

Gandhi said at present the primary challenge for the selectors would be to find right kind of players for the three formats of the game. “These days there are different formats and you have to select the right set of batsmen and bowlers who are best suited to the formats.

“I am thankful to the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) for entrusting such a huge responsibility on me and giving me a chance to serve Indian cricket again,” he said.