DDCA agree to Gautam Gambhir's demands on Delhi Ranji team selection

Gambhir at the centre of yet another controversy

The Chairman of the Delhi Senior Selection Committee Chetan Chauhan has relented to Gautam Gambhir‘s demands which include Delhi should play its home match at Roshanara Club ground, a result-oriented venue, instead of Feroz Shah Kotla and continue with the pacer Navdeep Saini in the playing 11, who hails from Haryana.

Delhi captain Gambhir, who was at loggerheads with the DDCA top brass over the selection of Saini and Feroz Shah Kotla as the home venue, has had his way on both the issues according to Indiatoday.

Delhi is currently playing its home fixture against Punjab at Roshanara, which is a green-top, and Saini is one of the members of the out and out pace attack that also has Parvinder Awana, Ashish Nehra and Sumit Narwal.

Chetan Chauhan said: “As per the the point position, team management which includes captain, coach and manager, wanted to play one more match at the Roshanara which they think is a result-oriented wicket. We have 19 points right now and they feel that they will get 6 more vs Punjab so DDCA management agreed. But, we will have the next match at Kolta for sure.”

On Saini’s selection, the former Indian cricketer added: “Gambhir trusts Saini a lot and that is why he wants to play him in the XI.”

Chauhan cooled the situation by saying: “Situation is delicate right now, we want to support the team instead of opposing the senior players. If we don’t do that, then they will play the match with disinterest.”

National Capital Territory Cricket Association is strictly against Delhi Ranji team being represented by non-homegrown players.

Bishan Singh Bedi, a member of NCT, had this to say on the issue: “After our Association had specifically objected to non-Delhi players being selected in various Delhi teams, DDCA Management has decided to be absolutely intransigent and include the same player, in the team announced today, by Chairman of the Ranji Selection Committee.”