The World Test Championship is gearing up for its next edition, and this time around, there are some notable absences in the Indian squad. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won’t be part of the team for the upcoming tour of England, as announced by the BCCI.
In their absence, Shubman Gill has been handed the captaincy, with Rishabh Pant serving as his deputy. The squad also sees the return of Karun Nair and the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan, both of which have been well-received by fans and critics alike.
The squad for the Test series against England includes a mix of experienced players and promising talents. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial for India’s success in the series.
However, there are always players who miss out despite their talent and potential. Here are three players who were unfortunate to not make it to the squad for the England Tests.
1. Shreyas Iyer:
Known for his ability to play crucial innings under pressure, Shreyas Iyer has been in good form in white-ball cricket. While his technique may be questionable in swinging conditions, his recent improvements and leadership qualities could have been valuable in the absence of senior players like Rohit and Kohli.
2. Sarfaraz Khan:
Sarfaraz Khan, another talented batter, has been consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket. However, his lack of success at the international level seems to have cost him a spot in the squad. While Karun Nair’s inclusion is justified based on his recent form, Sarfaraz’s consistent performances over the years deserved more consideration.
3. Harshit Rana:
A young fast bowler who made his debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Harshit Rana has shown promise despite a few indifferent outings. While he has been named in the A team, the competition for spots in the senior side was tough, with the likes of Shardul Thakur and Akash Deep getting the nod ahead of him. Rana’s exclusion may be disappointing, but he still has a bright future ahead.
Overall, the Indian squad for the England Tests is a mix of experience and youth, with some surprising omissions. It will be interesting to see how the team performs in the absence of key players like Rohit and Kohli.
