Krishnamachari Srikanth is known for his on-the-rise hitting over the infield and occasionally his over-the-top comments to the media in his recent avatar as television pundit.
Now, in his latest innings, as chairman of selectors, the challenge ahead of him is to leave all that behind and focus on the job at hand.
Srikkanth, who officially took over as chairman on Saturday, was yet to receive formal word from the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding what he should talk about and what not to. He was understandably rather careful when fielding queries.
"It's a great honour and a great responsibility. I am happy the board has entrusted me with this," Srikkanth told
the Hindustan Times from his residence in Chennai.
"It's important for the selectors to be accountable and responsible. It is not just a question of being accountable to the board, but to the entire country."
When asked being put in the selectoral hot seat at a time of great change in Indian cricket, Srikkanth conceded that he and his colleagues will have their hands full.
"It's a very challenging job. But then selection is always like that," he said. "We have a busy schedule coming up for the year ahead and the first thing will be to pick the team for the home series against Australia. "
{{/usCountry}}"It's a very challenging job. But then selection is always like that," he said. "We have a busy schedule coming up for the year ahead and the first thing will be to pick the team for the home series against Australia. "
{{/usCountry}}When specifically asked if the times ahead would be difficult in the light of senior cricketers being at a time when they may be giving way to youngsters, Srikkanth said, "I'll have to have a talk with the fellow members. The previous selection committee led by Dilip Vengsarkar has done a good job. Now it is for us to also continue the good work. At the end of the day it has to be a fair, non-biased selection and for the betterment of Indian cricket."