Being a selector is a thankless job, but immensely satisfying: S Sharath
CHENNAI: One ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title (2024), one Men’s Champions Trophy title (2025), 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup runner-up, two Men’s U19 World Cup titles (2022 and 2026), and multiple Asia Cups across senior and junior teams. Over the last five years, S Sharath has played a significant role in Indian cricket’s success stories across age groups at the highest level as junior selection committee chair (2021-26) and senior selector (2023-25).
Reflecting on his tenure as selector, the former Tamil Nadu captain called it a “thankless, but definitely satisfying” job. One that oversaw transitions from Rohit Sharma to Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is and to Shubman Gill in ODIs and Teststhis time. He credited outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar, former coach Rahul Dravid and current head of BCCI Centre of Excellence VVS Laxman for their support and gives a ringside view on the committee’s inner workings.
The prolific run-getter from Tamil Nadu, Sharath, represented the state for more than 15 years (1992-2007). He holds the record for the second-most runs for TN in the Ranji Trophy (6,597). One of the consistent performers for the state, Sharath missed out on the chance to move up the ladder and represent the country at a time when India had a packed middle-order. “It is the one regret my father had when he passed away,” the 53-year-old reflected.Definitely satisfying, but it is a thankless job. I need to thank people like N Srinivasan sir, Kasi Viswanathan sir, Jay Shah bhai, and two greats — (former head coach and NCA head) Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman (head of CoE) — for being there throughout and giving space to my team of selectors, both senior and junior. I thank my family, who have been a massive pillar of support.was a match referee for almost 10 years. It was a very good learning experience. You are travelling throughout India, watching matches. And we see the people working there. At that time, I saw the way Abey Kuruvilla — who was the junior selection committee chair — went about things. They won the U19 World Cup as well. I’ve been a selector at the state level, too. All these things definitely help you get a better perspective and give your best