Controversial selection of Pappu Yadav's son in Delhi T20 squad
Politician Pappu Yadav's son Sarthak Ranjan has been selected in Delhi's T20 squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali inter-state T20 competition without having played any competitive cricket this season. Controversially, Ranjan was chosen ahead of the likes of Unmukt Chand and Hiten Dalal who performed for the U-23 side. The 3-member selection committee included Atul Wassan, Hari Gidwani, and Robin Singh Junior. Here's more.
Who is Sarthak Ranjan?
Sarthak Ranjan debuted for Delhi in the 2015-16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January 2016. He made List A debut in February 2017 during the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Sarthak, 21, played a total of 3 T20s and 1 List A match, making 10 and 37 runs respectively in the formats. His parents are prominent Bihar politicians, Pappu Yadav (Rajesh Ranjan) and Ranjeet Ranjan.
Selection without a match or performance to back
Sarthak Ranjan has been chosen for the Delhi T20 side without playing a single match this season in domestic cricket. He withdrew himself after being named in this season's Ranji Trophy probables list. He had reportedly lost interest in playing. His mother Ranjeet, however, wrote to the DDCA administrator saying that "Sarthak was earlier suffering from depression but was now fit to play."
But, selection committee dismisses claims of nepotism
Dismissing claims of nepotism in selecting Sarthak, Atul Wassan, the selection committee member said, "I didn't even know who his father was" and added that the decision wasn't taken under any political influence. "This year he would have played at the start of the season, but he had issues mentally...Once we have taken a call..we should give him enough chance to succeed or fail."
