India are 1-0 down in this summer's Test series, and the management have some tough decisions before next week's match at Headingley - no-one more so than Chandu Borde, India's chairman of selectors. Before the Test series began, Chandu popped in to the Wisden studio to have a chat about Indian selection policies and new ventures planned to help the Indian game. One new feature is the introduction of faster and bouncier pitches, which are soon to be laid in ten Test centres in India. "Unless we have fast wickets our World Cup team won't be any good," said Borde. "At the moment the ball doesn't even come up to ankle height, and this won't help Indian cricket."

Another move approved by Borde is the new payment-incentive scheme. Some might argue that players representing their country shouldn't need any cash incentive, but Borde claimed it will make them accountable for their performances, something which hasn't happened before: "I hope this doesn't affect their cricket but they will have to work hard. It's a challenge for them."

On the previously touchy subject of regional bias in Indian selection, Borde proudly insisted it was a thing of the past. The committee now consists of ex-first-class players - unlike before - who are better qualified to spot talent, and also have more time to watch domestic cricket in all areas and make their selections without a hint of regionalism. "This committee never has any criticism."

Finally, looking ahead to the World Cup, Borde stressed the importance of building a good team together, meshing the usual old pros with new fresh-faced youngsters too. "It is important the younger ones get some experience." And, according to Chandu, there is nowhere better in the world to get quality experience than England: "This the place where one can learn cricket."

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