Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of national selectors, speaks to Our correspondent on IPL’s impact on the game in general and his plan for India’s hectic international schedule ahead.    

When you were at the peak of your cricketing career, did you imagine that the game will be shortened to 20 overs per side?
Not really. Night cricket, white balls and the coloured clothing took some time to digest in the late 70s. However, the game went through a lot of changes since I had started and I am sure that in the future, it will see many more changes in order to become more attractive and economically lucrative.

If you had to choose the three most important aspects of the IPL from which the players would benefit, what would they be?
It’s a huge boost for our domestic cricketers. Not only did they get tremendous exposure worldwide but they have also become financially better-off. They could improve themselves with the help of great players present in the dressing room besides of course, the on-field advice.

Can you tell us about the performances in IPL that have impressed you?
Well, a lot of players have shown very good temperament playing in front of packed stands. However, it’s difficult to assess them technically in this format.

As a selector does it bother you that players have to travel because of the hectic IPL schedule. Considering the busy international season ahead, do you think you will be banking on a rotation policy?
We do have a lot of options with us now and the IPL has surely provided some more. However, we will have to select the best available combination. But at the same time, we will have to take into account the tougher tours (matches) ahead as well.

With people becoming more aware about the local cricketers because of IPL, do you think that in the next domestic season the Ranji and Duleep Trophy games might generate more interest?
I am sure about it, for a lot of players got tremendous exposure that will surely benefit our domestic cricket and strengthen it too.

The Australia series showed that youngsters picked for the tour performed very well? How satisfying is that and did you spot a surprise performer in IPL?
Let me make it very clear that in cricket all the players are selected on merit and nobody was picked because of his age. As long as I am the chairman, the same policy will continue. Yes, there are many surprise performers in the IPL and the experience will stand them in good stead in future matches.

Will players who’ve starred in IPL matches be considered for India’s one-day selection?
As I had said earlier, we will be selecting the best available combination that could win matches and big tournaments.

Seniors like Rahul Dravid have been chastised for Bangalore’s poor performance. But still Dravid has managed more than 300 runs in the IPL. Even Ganguly has played some interesting innings. Will selectors keep them in contention for one-dayers?
I can’t comment on individual selections.

The National Cricket Academy is planning a camp for fringe cricketers. What role are the national selectors playing in it?
We will be selecting not only the fringe players for a stint under Dav Whatmore at the NCA, but also a separate small group of talented fast bowlers to undergo training at the NCA.

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