Chetan Sharma embroiled in shocking controversy: Here's all we know
Chetan Sharma, the BCCI's chairman of selectors, has come under the scanner after Zee News conducted a sting operation on him. He allegedly revealed classified selection matters alongside internal discussions with Virat Kohli. Sharma also claimed that the BCCI did not favor Rohit Sharma but was against Kohli, who had a clash with Sourav Ganguly. This controversy has put Sharma's future in jeopardy.
Why does this story matter?
Sharma, a former Indian international, was reinstated by the BCCI after being removed following India's ouster in the ICC T20 World Cup last year. Notably, the national selectors are bounded by contract and are not supposed to speak to the media. However, Sharma, during the sting operation, made several sensational claims. He even stated that some players take injections to attain match fitness.
Kohli's captaincy controversies
Kohli was embroiled in controversies after leaving India's T20I captaincy in 2021. The then-BCCI president Ganguly revealed the board had asked Kohli to continue as T20I captain. However, the latter denied the same, stating his decision was "received well". The BCCI then sacked Kohli as ODI captain. Kohli later conceded that the board informed him about this decision 90 minutes before the official announcement.
And, controversies followed!
As speculations regarding T20I captaincy were rife, Kohli was removed as India's ODI skipper. As per him, the selectors informed him before the announcement of India's squad for SA Tests. Defending the board's decision, chief selector Sharma had said, "When you're in the middle of the series, you can't always say such things. You decide only when the selectors start thinking about that format."
Ganguly asked Kohli to reconsider his decision: Sharma
Notably, Ganguly had claimed that Kohli was asked to reconsider his decision to quit T20I captaincy. However, Kohli stated that no such request was made. Sharma revealed that Ganguly did ask Kohli to reconsider in a video conference but the latter might not have heard. He even alleged that Kohli's ego got hurt and he tried to defame Ganguly in the media.
When Kohli stepped down as Test captain
Kohli led India to a historic win in the Centurion Test against South Africa in 2021. However, India lost in Johannesburg and Cape Town. A day after India's series defeat, Kohli stepped down as Test captain. Rohit was named India's captain of all formats thereafter.
We were against Kohli: Sharma
Sharma, who got involved in the sting operation conducted by Zee News, stated that the board was "not favoring Rohit as a captain, it just against Virat Kohli". "BCCI took advantage of Kohli's poor form and removed him from the captaincy. They should not treat the country's number-one batter like this. Shameful," Sharma added in his statements.
Kohli thought Ganguly tried to defame him: Sharma
Sharma said Kohli's move to create noise around Ganguly backfired. "Two egos clashing, one who is thinking that Ganguly has removed me from the captaincy, so I will teach him a lesson. He (Kohli) gave a statement that Ganguly is doing this, basically to defame him. He (Kohli) tried to tell this in the media... which backfired on him (Kohli)," Sharma stated.
Ego clashes between Ganguly, Kohli, and Rohit
In the explosive sting operation, Sharma also opened up on the history of ego clashes. "This is the dispute of the ego. Kohli says I am big. Ganguly says I am big. Ganguly has also been the captain of the country. Kohli feels that he is the most successful," added Sharma. Sharma even stated that egos spring between Kohli and Rohit too.
Bumrah couldn't bend his back; players take fake injections
Sharma also revealed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah couldn't even "bend his back", and was cleared to play the Australia T20I series in September 2022. His back pain escalated and the same ruled him out of the T20 World Cup. The former pacer also stated that there are players taking injections on their own to hide injuries and play matches.
Pandya, Rohit come to my home: Sharma
In another revelation, Sharma said that several players like Hardik Pandya and Rohit, among others, maintain a healthy link with him. "Players come to my home to talk about their future. Hardik Pandya was sleeping on my sofa that day and talking to me. Pandya is the future of India. He's the most humble cricketer. He came to my house recently," added Sharma.
WATCH: The controversial statements of Sharma
Chetan Sharma's tenure as BCCI selector
Sharma was appointed as the BCCI's chief selector in December 2020 when he replaced Sunil Joshi. His first tenure was marred with controversies as the inconsistent team selection largely came under the scanner. Subsequently, his entire committee was terminated after the T20 WC, and the BCCI invited fresh applicants. Sharma, who was among the 12 shortlisted for the interview, retained his post.
