Salil Ankola is not pleased with how India selectors alongside coach Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill selected the team during the Test series The young Indian team achieved a 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Team India were 1-2 down heading into the fifth and final Test, but they scripted a memorable 6-run win at the Oval.
In a significant shift in policy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to end the era of selective participation by star players under the pretext of “workload management”. The move follows India’s thrilling six-run victory at The Oval, which helped level the five-match Test series against England at 2-2. With Gautam Gambhir taking charge as head coach and Ajit Agarkar overseeing selection, the message is clear—no individual is bigger than the team.
At the heart of this cultural shift is Mohammed Siraj. The pacer emerged as the face of India’s resilience, bowling a staggering 185.3 overs across five Tests and consistently delivering long spells that showcased peak fitness and relentless dedication. His commitment has sparked praise across the cricketing fraternity, including from Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar.
Mohammed Siraj’s performance has not only drawn admiration but has also reignited debate around workload management—once considered a sacred tenet in modern cricket, now increasingly viewed as a convenience tool for elite player. Gautam Gambhir has long been a critic of the superstar culture in Indian cricket. Under his leadership, the BCCI is now moving towards a merit-based, egalitarian approach. According to sources, all-format players will be informed that the days of handpicking matches are over.
“The message will be sent across to the centrally contracted players, especially those who are all-format regulars, that this culture of picking and choosing games won’t be entertained in the near future,” a senior BCCI official confirmed to PTI.
It’s about values, accountability, and building a cricketing environment where every player pulls equal weight. However Salil Ankola seems heavily upset with the Team selection issue and has launched a direct attack on the selectors for its blunders even after the series ended in a respectable 2-2 draw.
Salil Ankola slams India’s Team selection policy for the English series 2025
Former Indian bowler and selector Salil Ankola criticized the constant chopping and changing of fast bowlers in India’s setup. He felt that the management neededd to support any two youngstersand plan on identifying the third and the fourth seamers, who could support the experienced in the longer format.
Salil Ankola also raised fitness concerns among the fast bowlers, adding that the pacers diet required monitoring . He told IANS :
“You cannot just go on randomly picking people or couple of guys who are there in the season. Seniors are there, then you pick up two youngsters and of course, you need to chalk out who’s going to be the third and fourth bowlers.
“See, the problem over here is, everybody gets down with injuries. It’s not that we don’t have options. We have a lot of options. But then somewhere they are going wrong over the fitness point of view. But we’ve got to nurture and take care of them, and teach them proper fitness and diet. Fast bowling is one thing, where they work harder twice than the normal players. There’s no option for that, as being fit is the most important thing.”
Salil Ankola said he was surprised not to see Mukesh Kumar feature in the scheme of themes in Test cricket. He felt that the Bengal pacer should be backed to be the Third pacer in the longer format.
“He’s picked up wickets, but then he doesn’t find a place in the Test side, which is a little surprising to me. He’s one of those fast medium pacers who can keep on bowling from one end and can be number three bowler for India. We’ve got to plan out the fast bowling situations very well for our country, “ he said.
The Bronco Test has been in the headlines for the past few days after reports emerged that strength and conditioning coach, Adrian Le Roux had recommended the test for Indian men’s cricket Team. Salil Ankola backed the adoption of the test stating that endurance and lung capacity were critical for a fast bowler.
“This new Bronco Test they have got, that should do well, because primarily, fast bowling is all about your endurance and lung capacity. You got to do your gym, but there’s a way to do it. So it should be properly planned, as you cannot become stiff,” Ankola said.
Workload management won’t be completely scrapped—especially for fast bowlers—but it will now follow objective criteria, not individual preferences.
What began as a tactical change could soon evolve into a defining cultural reset. With Gautam Gambhir and Agarkar aligned, the BCCI appears determined to restore balance—ensuring players serve the team, not the other way around. This policy overhaul is not just about scheduling or fatigue.
As India gears up for the Asia Cup and a packed home season ahead, one thing is certain—star privilege is on the decline, and team-first mentality is back in fashion.
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