Aravind Adiga’s Selection Day provides a compelling exploration of neocolonialism and decoloniality in contemporary India with the background of the game of cricket. Neocolonialism is evident in the hyper-commercialized cricket industry, where young boys, Radha and Manju are commodified for corporate profit, reflecting the economic exploitation characteristic of global capitalism. Father of Radha and Manju believe that cricket will help them to become rich. The novel portrays consumerism, class disparities, and dependence on cricket as a means of upward mobility which highlights the persistent colonial dynamics of wealth concentration and labor exploitation. The novel also interrogates themes of resistance and self-determination, aligning with decolonial thought. Manju’s rejection of cricket, pursuit of biology, and exploration of his identity show the aspects of decoloniality. His journey symbolizes epistemic disobedience—a core tenet of decoloniality—by resisting the hegemonic knowledge systems perpetuated by the capitalist structure. Selection Day ultimately is a critique and resistance against neocolonial systems. It critiques how postcolonial India replicates colonial patterns of domination through capitalist exploitation, cultural commodification, and patriarchal values. At the same time, it offers hope for decolonial emancipation, as seen in Manju’s reclaiming of his agency, voice, and autonomy. The novel underscores the enduring influence of colonial power structures while highlighting the potential for individuals to resist and redefine their identities. Selection Day is a nuanced reflection on the intersections of neocolonialism and decoloniality in modern India.
R. Sandhya Lakshmi (Wed,) studied this question.