New BCCI selector Gagan Khoda surprised by his appointment

A file picture of Gagan Khoda (Image courtesy: ESPNCricinfo)

Former Indian opener Gagan Khoda has said that he was taken by surprise over his appointment as one of the national selectors for the Indian team, reports NDTV Sports. The 41-year old employee of Indian Oil Corporation, had quit the game a few years back, and was visibly surprised when he was appointed as selector in-charge of the Central Zone.

"I was really surprised as I was away from cricket for quite some time. But it was a pleasant surprise and I am ready for the coveted job," he said.

Khoda had an impressive first-class career before he was called up for the Indian team and he represented the country in two ODIs. He even scored a valiant 89 against Kenya, which earned him the man of the match award. But his international career ended soon after and Khoda went back to scoring more runs in the domestic circuit.

The Rajasthan-born former cricketer was considered extremely unlucky by many as he had an exceptional batting record in first-class cricket, with more than 8500 runs to his credit. He averaged close to 40, with 42 fifties and 20 centuries and with a highest score of 300 not out.

The former batsman spoke about his new role in Indian cricket and said that he would encourage all talented cricketers without any bias towards his home state cricketers.

"My appointment does not mean anything special for Rajasthan cricketers. I would try and help all talented cricketers for getting what they deserve. I can assure I would also fight for Rajasthan cricketers if they deserve," he remarked.

"My job is to help all deserving cricketers across the country to get their due. I have nothing against Rajasthan Cricket Association and I am ready to help them out. In fact, few of the present cricketers are in touch with me and seek my advice. I am always there to help anybody who asks for it," he continued.

Gagan Khoda was just one of the many changes which the BCCI had announced in its AGM, as the new selection panel member replacing Rajinder Singh Hans for the Central Zone.

Former Indian wicketkeeper MSK Prasad also replaced Roger Binny as the selector for the South Zone, due to conflict of interest issues. The BCCI AGM also saw the announcement of six new Test centres - Pune, Ranchi, Indore, Rajkot, Visakhapatnam and Dharamsala.