6 Players Excluded from Team India, Including T20 Champion Captain

Six Players Excluded from Team India, Including T20 Champion Captain

As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming T20 series against England, which is set to run from January 22 to February 5, 2025, the announcement of the Indian squad has raised eyebrows. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team selections not only highlight the return of fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been absent from international cricket for a year, but also the surprising exclusion of several high-performing players. Notably, star batsman Shreyas Iyer, despite his recent accolades, has been left out. This article delves into the intricacies of the selections and the missed opportunities for these talented players.

Table of Contents

Shreyas Iyer: A Notable Absence

Last year proved to be remarkable for middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer in T20 cricket. Under his captaincy, the Kolkata Knight Riders clinched the IPL 2024 title, and he also led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy at the year’s end. Despite his stellar performances, including scoring 345 runs in 8 innings during the Mushtaq Ali Trophy with an impressive average of 49.28 and a strike rate of 188.52, Iyer was omitted from the Indian T20 team. His exclusion raises questions about selection criteria despite his profound impact and leadership capabilities.

Rajat Patidar: The IPL Sensation

Another significant name missing from the squad is Rajat Patidar, who has proven his explosive batting capabilities in the IPL. Leading Madhya Pradesh to the finals of the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Patidar excelled by scoring 428 runs at a striking rate of 186, including five half-centuries throughout the tournament. His outstanding performance and leadership should have warranted his selection, making his absence all the more puzzling for fans and analysts alike.

Shivam Dube: A Star Underrated?

Shivam Dube made headlines for his explosive batting across three IPL seasons and played a crucial role in the T20 World Cup final, contributing a rapid 27 runs. His journey was derailed due to injury during the T20 series against Bangladesh, but he still managed to score 151 runs in just 84 balls during the Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Dube’s exclusion raises eyebrows, especially given his potential impact on the field.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Continued Absence

Despite his captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and leading Maharashtra in the domestic circuit, Ruturaj Gaikwad did not find a spot in the T20 squad. Even though he had a less-than-stellar performance in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring only 130 runs in five innings, his consistent history including strong performances in Zimbabwe raises questions about the selectors’ decisions.

Ishan Kishan: A Missed Opportunity

Since being out of the team in late 2023, Ishan Kishan has struggled to regain his place, despite some promising performances in domestic cricket. His recent showing in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he accumulated 161 runs at a strike rate of 167 in 6 innings, showcased his potential. However, he has not yet managed to convince the selection committee of his worthiness for the national side.

Riyan Parag: Injuries and Setbacks

Riyan Parag, who appeared to solidify his position in the team post-T20 World Cup, has also faced challenges due to injuries. After debuting in Zimbabwe, he missed subsequent matches against Bangladesh due to a setback, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not provided recent updates about his recovery, leaving fans eager for his comeback.