With the 2015 World Cup in mind, the Indian selectors took a bold step by picking IPL star Karn Sharma and wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson in the 17-member ODI squad.
With the 2015 World Cup in mind, the Indian selectors took a bold step by picking IPL star Karn Sharma and wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson in the 17-member ODI squad for the five-match series and a Twenty20 international in England starting from August 25.
They have also included Mumbai pacer Dhaval Kulkarni and Umesh Yadav into the side. The senior selection committee of the BCCI chucked out seniors like Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir and even Robin Uthappa for the ODI series in England.
The likes of Ishant Sharma, who currently nursing an injury, was also ignored for the limited over’s game. So, why these stars are ignored by the Indian cricket’s governing body? What would have gone through the mind of the selectors in keeping away the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma?
Yuvraj Singh – The flashy batsman has not been upto his best as far as the form is concerned. The southpaw failed to hit the heights during the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and was ignored from the ODI format completely. Even though his bat did the talking during a MCC vs. ROI game at Lord’s, where the former scored a belligerent 132; Yuvi has not been amongst the best. A few domestic games under his belt might do a world of good for the 2011 World Cup hero.
Gautam Gambhir – His absence from the Tests in the current England series is still a mystery but Gautam Gambhir still remains a vital part of the Indian ODI team. MS Dhoni has trusted the likes of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan in the top order but if either fails, ‘Gauti’ could step-in. His poor form and injuries have left him the shadows of the younger lot.
Robin Uthappa – After a successful IPL 7 this year, it all seemed merry for Robin Uthappa as he made the cut in the Indian side that toured Bangladesh. 69 runs in 3 games, Uthappa hardly made an impression on the selectors. He was also amongst the successful touring party of the Indian A team that won the quadrangular series Down Under. Though he failed to score aplenty there, the Karnataka batsman still has plenty of time to create an impression. But before that, the right-hander needs a reality check!
Ishant Sharma – Indian team battled hard and finally won a Test match at Lord’s after 28 years thanks to the seven wicket contribution from Ishant Sharma. The tall and lanky bowler from Delhi was a hit in the Tests in South Africa and New Zealand and has continued that trend till England. But why has the Delhi pacer being ignored in the ODIs? Is the James Faulkner incident afresh on the selectors’ minds?
The above batsmen/bowler are still considered ‘heroes’ in the some parts of the country, for their contribution to Indian cricket has been massive. Each player, from above, had a part to play to take India on the number one position. But times have changed and these players are now serving the shadows whilst the younger ones take charge.
