After a long break, the Indian cricket team is set to return to action in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting from September 19, 2024. The senior selection committee recently announced the squad, led by Rohit Sharma, but several experienced players were notably left out.
Here are the top three seasoned players who missed out on selection for the first Test against Bangladesh:
3. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami, a vital cog in India’s pace attack, is currently recovering from an injury and has been out of action since the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. Shami’s absence is a significant blow, but it seems the Indian team management is being cautious.
With crucial series against New Zealand and Australia lined up later in the year, Shami appears to have been given extended rest to ensure he’s fully fit for those encounters. His omission, therefore, seems more precautionary than performance-based.
2. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane, a key figure in India’s historic win at the Gabba, has seen a dip in form since his last international outing against the West Indies in 2023. Despite being a former vice-captain and one of India’s most experienced middle-order batter, Rahane has struggled to find consistency.
His exclusion from the squad signals that the team has opted for younger talent, looking to the future with a broader pool of players. The selectors seem to have moved on from Rahane, given the depth India now possesses in the middle order.
1. Cheteshwar Pujara
The exclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s rock at No. 3 for more than a decade, is perhaps the most surprising. Pujara last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Despite his recent strong performances in County cricket, where he amassed over 500 runs in 9 innings, and a commendable 829-run tally in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, the selectors have overlooked him. Pujara’s absence suggests that the Indian team management is focusing on a new approach, preferring fresher faces to take the team forward.
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