In an exclusive interview with ESPN Star Sports, BCCI’s president Ranbir Singh Mahendra said that he wanted to develop the second line of defence for Team India that remains plagued with injuries to some of its top players.

In a candid discussion, Mahendra touched on various points including the contentious issue of politics in Indian cricket. This will be aired on ESPN in the Samsung Cricket Show on 8 October at 9.30 pm.

On the issue of injuries to leading cricket stars, Mahendra said, "Consistent injuries are a matter of concern for the board. I agree that the senior team is in decent shape but we also need to work out a second line of classy players who could walk into the side anytime. We are working on a format so that the U-19 team can play a format like that of Ranji... I am sure this will work."

Mahendra said he would like India to rule world cricket, almost the way the West Indies did in the 70s. "Australia are world leaders but they are also beaten on and off. India needs to rule the world. I will be happy if India rules the world like the Carribeans in the 70s and early 80s (under the leadership of Clive Lloyd)."

On the issue of increased politics in Indian cricket, he said, "The BCCI is perhaps the only sports body in India which is thoroughly professional and successful. It’s expected that many will make a beeline for its control. As long as the financial stakes are high, there will be people showing interest. We will have to live with it."

Mahendra said his immediate agenda was to sort the contentious rights issue. "Lets first get the telecast issue resolved. People across the country and abroad must see the two series (Australia and South Africa), hopefully, the court issue will be resolved by then."

The politician-turned-administrator refused to be drawn into the issue of the contract of current coach John Wright and merely said: "The Board will take a serious look at the contract once it comes up for renewal in March next year. We have Sunil Gavaskar assisting the side and the players have expressed their happiness at the contribution of the former captain. We will also keep that in mind."

Once the dust is settled over the contentious issue of telecast rights, the BCCI president said he would like to spend more time traveling across the country and checking for himself the growth of the game that has brought both money and fame to the nation.