IND vs SL: 'Don't create issues': Chetan Sharma slams reporter questioning about Hardik Pandya's non-selection

BCCI’s selection committee chairman Chetan Sharma on Saturday got angry at the reporter for questioning about handling India all-rounder Hardik Pandya during the squad announcement press conference for the upcoming Test and T20I series against Sri Lanka at home as well.

Hardik Pandya, who has been out of action since the 2021 T20 World Cup, did not make himself available for either of the series, including the ongoing home series against West Indies as well. While questioning the functioning of the selection committee, a reporter alleged that India all-rounder likely to get fit before the start of an Indian Premier League (IPL) season, and gets selected for the Indian team by scoring runs in the cash-rich IPL as well.

“Can understand what Hardik is up to, as of whatever I’ve seen after the T20 World Cup? But this is confirmed that he will be fit before the first match of the IPL,” said the reporter.

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“Who is getting selected and who isn’t is not yours to decide” – Chetan Sharma to the reporter

After listening to this, Chetan Sharma got furious and slammed him for questioning the process of selection of a player in the Indian team as well. He also asked him to support the player rather than criticize him as Pandya was not at his best when he played last. The veteran also applauded Hardik’s achievement for Indian cricket as well.

“Firstly, you can talk to him. You must have his number. Secondly, you are not a member of the selection committee to say that he scored runs in IPL and hence will be selected. Selection committee has five members and they are sitting with me, right here. So who is getting selected and who isn’t is not yours to decide. We will decide that. But what Hardik will do…let the things come,” Chetan Sharma said.

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“Support a player, don’t go criticising him. What Hardik did for India is not something you forget in a second. Support that.” When he was further asked about Hardik Pandya, the veteran told the reporter: “Don’t create issues here. Please listen to whatever I’ve said, that’s more than enough for you.”

However, Team India selected an 18-member squad for the upcoming Test and the T20I series against Sri Lanka. India will take on the opponent in three T20Is followed by two Tests at home as well.