Sandeep Patil made some explosive revelations related to his tenure as India’s chief selector for four years, where he and the selection committee made tough calls that included dropping big names such as Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir.
Patil cleared the air on record on many aspects while speaking on The Vicky Lalwani Show on YouTube. When asked about Yuvraj’s father, Yograj Singh, publicly blaming MS Dhoni for sidelining his son from the Indian team. Patil clarified that Dhoni had no influence over the committee’s decisions.
“Not a single time, whether in selection meetings, on tours, or during matches, did Mahendra Singh Dhoni ever ask for Yuvraj Singh to be dropped. I want to make that clear on record,” Patil said.
“He had complete trust in the selection committee and never raised any objections,” he added.
On Yograj Singh’s anguish towards Dhoni, Patil said: “It’s natural for a father to feel strongly about his son, but he is blaming the wrong person.”
How was Tendulkar given the message? “I asked him (Tendulkar), ‘What are your plans?’” Patil said that in 2012 after India lost a home Test series to England, he and another selector Rajendra Singh Hans sought a meeting with Tendulkar, which required clearance from Anti-Corruption Unit.
Tendulkar replied, ‘Why?’ “I explained that the committee was considering a replacement. He was taken aback and called me again, asking, ‘Are you serious?’ I confirmed that I was.”
“Tendulkar later chose to retire and personally informed me, saying, ‘Sandy, I’ve decided to announce my retirement,’” Patil also said.
Patil as chairman of selectors had to take lot of flak on his chin after Tendulkar’s retirement decision was public.
“I can see why people were upset. After all, it’s Sachin Tendulkar. Shami was brought in, Bumrah, Ashwin, Jadeja, Rahane. No one talks about those selections. Everyone only remembers that we dropped Sachin,” he stated.
Players like Tendulkar, Yuvraj or Laxman have moved on from there and still maintain a cordial relationship with the former chairman of selectors. But the present head coach of Team India, Gautam Gambhir, was one such player who hasn’t “forgiven” Patil for replacing him with Shikhar Dhawan in the India squad.
“We have appeared on the same television shows, News18 and ABP, with Gauti and me both present. He has never once acknowledged me, not even a glance. Every time I say hello, he does not respond.”
Patil revealed that he had a close rapport with Gambhir, who used to call him nearly every two weeks.
“He doesn’t forget and he doesn’t forgive. That is fine. I still have respect for him and I still like him,” said Patil.
