Three Deserving Players Who Missed Out From India's Test Squad

Three Deserving Players Who Missed Out From India’s Test Squad: As always, the selection panel of the Indian National Cricket Team ringed in major surprises for the upcoming two-match Test series. Prithvi Shaw has been included in the 16-man India Test squad which also features the fit-again Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma.

However, Ishant’s participation will be subject to a fitness clearance, following a grade-three tear in an ankle. With Rohit Sharma ruled out, the toss-up for the second opener to partner Mayank Agarwal could be between Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw.

Gill has the backing of runs under him, having smashed 83 and an unbeaten 204 for India A in the first four-day fixture in Christchurch against New Zealand A. Navdeep Saini is the other major name in the lineup.

Meanwhile, we figured out three players, who deserved a call-up. A lot of cricketers displayed high-quality performances in the recent past. We picked out three cricketers, who were prime contenders to get the nod.

3. Srikar Bharat:

The youngster was expected to receive another call-up for India. But once again, the India persisted with Rishabh Pant to be the backup wicket-keeper for Wriddhiman Saha.

Making his first-class debut at the age of 19 against Kerala, Bharat has been one of the consistent run-getters for Andhra in the last few years. He made rapid strides both as a keeper and as a batsman at the domestic level. 2014/15 was Bharat’s breakthrough season where he scored 758 runs in Ranji at a healthy average of 54.14. He followed it up in the next seasons as well.

Apart from his wicket-keeping skills, Srikar Bharat is one of the best openers available in the country. He is an option as an opener for the team if required.

Also Read: New Zealand vs India 2020: 1st ODI, Hamilton – Match Prediction

2. Kuldeep Yadav:

The left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was left out of the squad altogether, with R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked as the frontline spin options alongside five pacers.

Interestingly, almost exactly a year ago, India head coach Ravi Shastri had called Kuldeep “our primary overseas spinner” in Test cricket, following his five-wicket haul in the Sydney Test in January. Though, it remains his last Test appearance.

Perhaps, the conditions would have played a villain role to Kuldeep. With New Zealand conditions suiting fast bowlers, India might go with only one spinner in the name of Ashwin or Jadeja.

Thus, selectors named Navdeep Saini in place of Kuldeep Yadav, who might make his debut for India in Tests.

1. KL Rahul:

KL Rahul made his Test debut in 2014 as a technically correct batsman straight out of the Rahul Dravid’s school of batting in Karnataka and showed what he is capable of doing for the team in overseas.

However, a shoulder injury changed things dramatically for him, as he failed to make things fall in place in a longer version of the game.

However, after being removed from the team, Rahul made a tremendous comeback by scoring most number of runs for Karnataka in the domestic circuit.

The flamboyant batsman soon became regular in the Indian team and currently, a match-winner for India in limited-overs formats.

With Rohit Sharma being injured, fans expected Rahul to make a comeback in Tests but the selection panel called Shaw and Gill to take the position.