On Monday, the BCCI announced India's squad for the team's tour of Zimbabwe in early July. Led by Shubman Gill, the squad has a few maiden call-ups, as well as some surprise exclusions. Here are a few who were unlucky to miss out.
Given that the squad comprises those players who have done well in the IPL and/or on the domestic circuit, more than a few players, young and experienced, have enjoyed a good season but not been selected. This tour represents a chance for those on the fringes of the Indian team to push for a place in the first-choice XI, which consists of players currently in action at the T20 World Cup.
Tilak Varma
This year's IPL was a runfest, but Tilak Varma performed well even by those inflated standards. In a struggling Mumbai Indians outfit, the left-hander scored 416 runs at an average of 42 and strike rate of 150. Add this to his previous two seasons with similar numbers, and Varma looks like the perfect candidate for a spot in the middle-order. His part-time off-spin could be handy as well.
However, he did miss MI's final match of this season against Lucknow Super Giants due to injury. There is no official update, but this can perhaps be a reason why he was selected for this series.
Mayank Yadav
Lucknow Super Giants' Mayank Yadav burst onto the scene this season, wowing one and all with his ability to consistently bowl speeds in excess of 155 kmph. However, a side strain cut short his campaign and he finished with just four matches to his name. The 22-year-old has had his issues with injuries but now on the national radar, should receive better care and recovery techniques.
As far as national team selection is concerned, it may be a case of the selectors wanting him to prove he can get through a season or two with minimal injury problems. Another possibility is that he might have been earmarked for red-ball cricket.
Harshit Rana
The driving force of Kolkata Knight Riders' victorious IPL campaign was their ferocious bowling attack, of which Delhi pacer Harshit Rana was an integral part. Bowling in all phases of the game, he shone especially at the death as he picked up a total of 19 wickets in 13 matches. Rana's variations became his calling card in the tournament, and he seemed a nailed-on pick for the Zimbabwe tour. However, India have gone ahead with Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande and Khaleel Ahmed as the frontline pacers.
Yash Dayal
Another pace bowler who was unlucky to miss out on a call-up was Yash Dayal. Making the move from Gujarat Titans to Royal Challengers Bengaluru this year, he was the standout in a weak bowling lineup initially, and finished the tournament with 15 wickets to his name. Dayal also defended 17 off the final over against Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru to seal RCB's qualification to the top four.
Earlier this year, Dayal was also one of five players handed a special fast-bowling contract by the BCCI, furthering the anticipation that he would be picked for India sooner rather than later.
Rajat Patidar
Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar has been around the India setup of late, but not in the T20 format. He was selected to play the third ODI against South Africa last December before being called up to the Test squad for England's visit in January-March this year. In IPL 2024, he made a strong comeback after being injured in 2023, to score 395 runs in 15 matches at an exceptional strike rate of 177.
Patidar's prowess against spin was notable, as he made a name for himself as a middle-overs basher of all types, irrespective of match-ups. Given India's relative lack of this profile, he could well have been in line for a call. However, his age (Patidar is 31) may have worked against him, with Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag called up instead.
Varun Chakaravarthy
Varun Chakaravarthy represented India in the 2021 T20 World Cup and despite performing well as a restrictive bowler, has not been called up since. However, the 2024 IPL season saw him pick up 21 wickets at a (relatively) miserly economy rate of 8 runs an over. Along with Sunil Narine, he formed one of the most deadly spin combinations in the league, but it looks as though a national team recall may not be on the cards for him.
The spinners currently included are Washington Sundar and Abhishek Sharma, both all-rounders. Ravi Bishnoi has been picked as a specialist leggie, with his youth and ability in the field perhaps pushing him ahead of Varun in the pecking order.
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