Arjun BCCI Junior National Selector

Former India fast bowler Parvinder Awana was named chairman of the committee with Krishna Das and Rakesh Patel being the other members. “The CAC screened and interviewed applicants and, following the process, recommended the members,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Arjun was understandably elated about the appointment. “It’s a very big responsibility. The entire country would be watching us to find the best players for future Indian teams, so that is pressure,” the 44-year-old former India ‘A’ player told this newspaper.

“We will have to keep a tab on cricketers in the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 levels and provide the talented ones the right opportunities to grow to higher levels,” Arjun added.

Immediate challenge? “Right now, it’s the Under-19 Asia Cup in Oman next month, then to build the side for the 2028 Under-19 World Cup, where we plan to do very well,” the former Hyderabad Ranji Trophy captain said.

Arjun has played 83 First Class matches between 1999 and 2012, during which he scored 3,703 runs including five centuries and 18 fifties. The right-handed batsman also claimed 12 wickets with his gentle off-spin.

He was also part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2000. Following his playing career with Hyderabad, Arjun took up coaching, serving as head coach of the Hyderabad senior and U-23 teams. He has also served as a BCCI match referee since 2022.

Arjun follows his father N. Shivlal Yadav into the national selection panel. Shivlal, a former Test cricketer, was a member of the BCCI’s senior national selection committee for two stints, from 1996 to 1999. He also held the post of BCCI Interim President in 2014. Shivlal, now 69, also served as Hyderabad Cricket Association’s secretary, joint secretary, vice-president and executive committee member between 1990 and 2009. He was instrumental in the construction of HCA’s Rajiv Gandhi Internation-al Cricket Stadium, the South Pavilion of which is named after him.