'I was away from cricket for some time, surprised by call to become selector': Gagan Khoda

Jaipur: Former India and Rajasthan opener Gagan Khoda, who has been appointed a BCCI senior selection committee member as representative from the Central Zone, said on Tuesday that he was “surprised by the call”. [caption id=“attachment_2502738” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File photo of former Indian opener Gagan Khoda. AFP[/caption] Khoda, who is working with Indian Oil, said he was staying away from cricket after bidding adieu a couple of years ago. “I was really surprised as I was away from cricket for quite some time. But it was a pleasant surprise and I am ready for the coveted job,” Gagan told PTI. Though he got an early break in the Indian team and played two ODIs in 1998 against Bangladesh and Kenya, he could not play any international match further despite scoring heavily in domestic cricket. He hit a brilliant triple hundred in Duleep Trophy at Panaji in 2000-2001 season against South Zone which had bowlers like Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, V Raju and Sunil Joshi. Asked whether his appointment would help Rajasthan cricketers who have not been getting their due despite fine performance in domestic cricket, Khoda said that his job would not be limited to Rajasthan only. “My appointment does not mean anything special for Rajasthan cricketers. I would try and help all talented cricketers for getting what they deserve. I can assure I would also fight for Rajasthan cricketers if they deserve,” he said. “My job is to help all deserving cricketers across the country to get their due. I have nothing against Rajasthan Cricket Association and I am ready to help them out. In fact, few of the present cricketers are in touch with me and seek my advice. I am always there to help anybody who asks for it,” said the 41-year-old Khoda who bore the brunt of Rajasthan batting since 1991-92 till he bid adieu. PTI