The cricketing community is animated with speculation regarding possible selections for the forthcoming World Cup as the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches its conclusion.
Irfan Pathan, a current commentator and former Indian cricketer, has shed light on a critical factor that selectors must consider amidst the frenzy: the risk of recency bias.
Pathan emphasised on the Star Sports Press Room Show, “Ticket to the World Cup,” the necessity for World Cup selectors to maintain a balanced perspective when choosing players for the squad. He advised against the hasty incorporation of players in the IPL solely on the basis of their recent achievements, drawing attention to the tendency to place excessive importance on IPL performances.
Pathan’s perceptive observations and personal experiences throughout the cricketing community inform his viewpoints. He drew attention to the situation involving Wriddhiman Saha, who, notwithstanding a substantial period of injury-related absence, returned to the Indian squad on the strength of his previous abilities. Prior to the emergence of the IPL frenzy, Pathan emphasised the significance of taking into account a player’s overall track record in international cricket.
“Recent years shall be discussed. By virtue of an injury, Wriddhiman Saha was sidelined for an entire year. He rejoined the squad after recovering and, one year later, was named to the playing XI. Undoubtedly, a year passes in a single year. Prior to his injury, the Indian team took into account his previous contributions. Instead of underestimating that, they intended to recognise its significance. They thus decided to test his performance by assigning him some contests.
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A selection committee “should not overlook a player’s prior contributions for India, even prior to the IPL.” It is highly advisable to retain that information at all times, and I am not alluding to past occurrences. “Irfan stated that this should consistently be duly considered.”
Completely distinct is the nature of international cricket: Irfan
Pathan underscored the premise that exceptional performances in the IPL do not ensure automatic selection, drawing attention to the divergence in conditions between the IPL and international cricket. Pathan highlighted the distinctive challenge that top bowlers like Mitchell Starc present in the latter.
“Mustardy selection should not be an automatic consequence for players who are performing well in the IPL.” Small grounds and flat pitches in the IPL invariably expose one or two uncapped bowlers to the risk of being readily dismissed. Global cricket, on the other hand, is an entirely distinct animal.
Five of your bowlers will have participated in the World Cup and will carry with them a wealth of experience, having each played a substantial number of matches prior to their participation. Mitchell Starc and other elite bowlers will be in your path. Your opponents will continue to be elite bowlers, despite the fact that Starc’s performance in the IPL may vary. As an illustration, you may encounter Pathirana, a native of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the remaining four bowlers are performers of the highest calibre, he continued.
Pathan emphasised the need for selectors to consider a player’s performance history with the national team in addition to their recent form. The prevalence of IPL sensations notwithstanding, he advised against disregarding the knowledge and expertise of seasoned international travellers.
Thus, their contributions should not be disregarded. “Recall their accomplishments with the Indian national team prior to the IPL, while keeping recent performances in mind,” he added.
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