Sandeep Patil asked to leave President’s box at Nagpur

Former India batsman and current chairman selector Sandeep Patil was reportedly asked to vacate his seat from the VIP box during the inaugural match of the World T20 2016. He was also reported to have been deeply hurt as well as embarrassed by the situation. The incident is said to have occurred during India’s 47-run loss to New Zealand.

The Vidharba Cricket Association happens to be the home stadium of current BCCI president and ICC chairman Shashank Manohar. It has also been reported that World T20 director MV Shridhar and chief co-ordinator Prof. Ratnakar Shetty was also present in the President’s box at the time. Vikram Rahtour, another selector under Sandeep Patil was also asked to vacate the President’s box.

Another report stated that Sandeep Patil watched India take on New Zealand from his hotel room and didn’t want to give any comment on the situation. Vikram Rathour however, chose to stay behind and watch the match from within the spectators.

Sandeep Patil, as he should have been was deeply hurt and embarrassed by the incident and refused to comment on it. Sources close to Patil also stated that he had vowed to never attend any more matches of the World T20 at any venue. Apparently, MV Sridhar had issued instructions regarding the accommodation and seating of selectors and officials for the match. The goof-up, however, has not gone unnoticed.

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Patil tasted success with the Indian cricket team as he was part of ‘Kapil’s Devils’ who clinched the World Cup in 1983 against all odds. He was known to be a flamboyant batsman has starred in some of India’s most historic wins in the past. He also impressed one and all when he coached a Kenya team that made it to the semifinals of the World Cup in 2003.

Sandeep Patil, as the chief selector has done wonders with this Indian side. He has been instrumental in taking calculated risks while making decisions which is part of the reason the Indians have such great squad balance. Most recently, the selectors have included Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Pawan Negi.