Ravi Shastri Makes Big Revelation, Says 'I Wasn't Invited To A Single Selection Meeting'

After India's heartbreaking knockout from T20 World Cup 2021, Shastri was removed from head coach's designation with ex-India skipper Rahul Dravid replacing him for the top post.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri made a startling revelation, saying he wasn't invited to any selection meetings. The cricketer-turned-commentator was associated with India's men's senior cricket team from 2014 to 2021 i.e seven long years. After India's heartbreaking knockout from T20 World Cup 2021, Shastri was removed from head coach's designation with ex-India skipper Rahul Dravid replacing him for the top post. In an exclusive conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Shastri was asked to explain how the selection process takes place but his reply left everyone surprised.  

"I have zero first-hand experience [of attending selection meetings]," he said. "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 [a coach should be invited],” he said.

"You spend a lot of time with the boys, it's important, even if not in voting capacity, but to hear what the selectors are thinking, what is their train of thoughts are. And then to decide what could be the right thing for the side. I have zero idea how it starts, how it finishes, who are there in the meeting. From what I gather, there were a lot of people [in the meetings], over the last three-four years, inside selection meetings, not supposed to be there, against the constitution but pitched up."

Shastri, however, pointed out how him being part of the selection process could have affected his relationship with the cricketers.

"I needed the trust of the player. If a player knew I was a selector or I could influence a selector/chairman of the committee, then will he open up to me? Will he have the same trust in me? There could be a certain people who will come and still be open and upfront, there could be a certain people who might not want to, and I don't blame them because they may have some reservations.”

"From my point of view, that's why I thought it's best to stay away, but in the long run, especially when a team is in the rebuilding stage, it's extremely important that a coach who spends a lot of time with the players within the confines of the dressing room can give some valuable inputs."