VRS proposal: 'Let the players decide'

MUMBAI: The 'Voluntary Retirement Scheme' (VRS) that is doing the rounds of BCCI corridors hasn't gone down well with former cricketers. A lot of questions still remain unanswered. What's the role of the selection committee?
Are we honestly ruthless and equipped to phase out seniors like Australia did in the case of Steve Waugh? Most importantly, are the Rohit Sharmas, Suresh Rainas, Badrinaths and Virat Kohlis ready to step into the shoes of the Fab Four?
Former India players think the 'scheme' just won't work."I don't think it's the right approach," says former India opener Anshuman Gaekwad. "How can you interfere with selection? The panel is supposed to function in an independent manner," he says.
Former skipper Ajit Wadekar echoes Gaekwad's view. "It resembles a corporate setup," he laughs. "When a senior thinks he will be exposed, he should realise it's time to call it quits," Wadekar reasons.
Dilip Vengsarkar, who completed a very successful term as chief selector a few days back, says "it depends on individual players." He doesn't buy the VRS theory one bit. "Are you ready to risk a game or a series for one player?" he shoots back. "It doesn't work that way. You are selected on the basis of form. If you don't deserve to make it to the side, you are not picked. It's simple."
Bishan Singh Bedi gives a different twist to it. "Why not a VRS scheme for the administrators? How qualified are these officials to decide if a Rahul Dravid or a Sourav Ganguly should hang up his boots? This is cricketing terrorism," he fumes.