Gambhir did not want him in the Delhi squad, says Rajat Bhatia
Rajat Bhatia has spoken up about why he was not picked in the Delhi squad for the 2015/16 Ranji Trophy, and what role Delhi captain Gautam Gambhir had in the decision made. The veteran player was speaking to PTI on Saturday.
Bhatia was facing an uncertain future this season as no one from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) communicated to him with regard to being dropped out of the Delhi squad for the whole season. It has been revealed that the 35-year-old all-rounder has been dropped at the demand of Delhi captain Gambhir.
“As far as Gautam is concerned, I can only wish him all the best for the season. If he thinks I don’t fit in the team anymore, then so be it. It is not the end of the road for me. I will continue training,” Bhatia said.
By the time Bhatia was aware that he would not play for Delhi again this season, the last date for being transferred to another state was over. This put Bhatia under a lot of pressure with doubts regarding his First-Class future.
However, Bhatia received some good news after the DDCA gave a No Objection Certificate (NoC), which provided Rajasthan an opportunity to summon the all-rounder for trials. The trials are scheduled to be held on October 19 in Jaipur.
This new development is probably the least consistent First-Class all-rounder deserves. Bhatia will hope to impress in the trials and earn a place in the Rajasthan squad for the ongoing Ranji season.
Bhatia has a good First-Class record – in 95 matches, he has scored 5394 runs at an average of 48.16 and picked up 119 wickets. After drawing two matches and losing one, Rajasthan have got only four points after the first three matches of the season. They could use someone of Bhatia's calibre and experience to help improve the results.
BCCI and DDCA vice-president C K Khanna, who is also a member of the ad-hoc committee of Rajasthan, was sympathetic to the plight of the Bhatia and agreed to give a NoC to help the all-rounder find a squad, according to reports.
“Well, the BCCI appointed ad hoc committee has asked me to report in Jaipur for trials for Rajasthan Ranji team on October 19. The board-appointed selectors will have a look at me at the net session. I am thankful to BCCI that my NOC has been processed and I have a chance to play first-class cricket,” he said.
Virender Sehwag and Mithun Manhas are the other two big names who have left Delhi to play for other teams. This does shed light on the state of the DDCA and the problems within the association.
“We all now how DDCA works. The association is in a mess, so much so that it has become an open secret. They will only think about the players only after they get time off from chasing proxy votes or serving their own interest or fighting over who is going to be in the sports committee,” Bhatia said.