Rattled by the team's dismal performance in the second One-Day International, the Board of Control for India on Friday asked chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar to go to South Africa and convey the nation's sentiments in the wake of the Durban drubbing.
The decision was taken by BCCI president Sharad Pawar, who talked to Vengsarkar on Friday morning and asked him to leave "immediately or as early as possible".
"I had a detailed discussion with the chairman of the selection committee. I requested him to go to South Africa immediately or as early as possible, discuss with the coach, captain and players, and communicate the feelings of the countrymen," Pawar told NDTV.
The BCCI was in two minds whether to continue with its policy of sending one of its selectors with the team on tour, but doubts were put to rest after the abject surrender in the Durban one-dayer.
It was not known when exactly Vengsarkar would board the flight, as the selection of the Test team is slated for November 30, in Mumbai.
BCCI's Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty said Vengsarkar might wait till the selection committee meeting.
Shetty also said that there was always a proposal to send a selector for the ongoing tour, but now it has been finalised that Vengsarkar would join the team management in South Africa.
India's 157-run defeat in the second ODI at Durban has come under heavy flak from various quarters -- most notably from within the BCCI and eminent parliamentarians.
