IND vs SL: With the end of India’s triumph at the T20 World Cup, it also ended the remarkable era of ex-India head coach Rahul Dravid. Dravid led India to a WTC final, a World Cup final, and a title triumph in the T20 World Cup final. The veteran has been replaced by longtime franchise-level coaching genius Gautam Gambhir, and India’s tour of Sri Lanka will be the first series played under the ex-KKR mentor.
Not only Indian fans and great cricketers but also several greats of the game from around the world have claimed that under Gambhir, India will be en route to a new journey, and this will be the initiation of a new era in Indian cricket.
However, despite all the praise, Gambhir and the Indian selectors headed by Ajit Agarkar have also faced some criticism, often due to the similar selection errors that they once again made while picking up the squads for the Sri Lanka tour.
Worst decisions made in the India tour to Sri Lanka
Md. Siraj again in T20s—why not Avesh and Mukesh?
Siraj, the bowler who was a part of India’s World Cup-winning squad, has been brought back into the side. But what was the need, say many, as the bowler has impressed many in the longer format of limited-overs cricket, but his T20 numbers are not worth a continuation chance.
India rather had the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan; both of them have been very impressive in domestic games and every time provided with chances in the IPL, and for the national side, these two, especially Mukesh, have been some of the highest wicket-takers the Indian side now produces. The selection of Siraj over Mukesh seemed to be some sort of personal favouritism.
How SKY surpassed Pandya for T20 captaincy
Though there are not many complaints that Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed India’s new T20I skipper, fans are troubled with Hardik being overlooked as a probable T20I skipper for the Men in Blue. The master T20I batter has excelled in the format for India; however, Hardik’s experience and credits as a captain cannot be reached by the MI batter.
SKY, though now given an interim role, seems to have been established in the role of Indian captain due to Pandya’s fitness troubles.
Where is Abhishek Sharma?
Abhishek Sharma, India’s most promising rising talent in T20s, has been dropped to everyone’s surprise. Abhishek impressed everyone in the world, even the likes of the great Matthew Hayden, with his brilliant intent and 6-hit prowess.
Sharma was taken to the Zimbabwe tour, where he smashed a stunning 100 in just his second international experience. Looking so promising, this was supposed to confirm that the SRH batting all-rounder will be seen in India colours on the Sri Lanka tour; however, he is not being picked, and probably the selectors have no reason to clarify their decision.
Gill appointed vice-captain; not needed
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain in both T20Is and ODIs. This created a stir as the selectors overlooked several senior players for leadership roles, like Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. Though the player is considered a great prospect, Gill has not been that promising in the recent past to ensure his spot in the India team across all formats, and the role of a deputy leader seems unnecessary and hasty a decision in his favour.
Unnecessary Parag Inclusion in ODIs
Riyan Parag, the Royals’ terrific performer, came to the limelight after a stunning domestic season and his unstoppable form in the IPL. He was picked up on the Zimbabwe tour, where he underperformed with just 24 runs batting with a strike rate below 89. However, he has been given a justified extended chance in the Sri Lanka T20s, though he is not likely to feature in the starting XI.
However, his selection in ODIs seemed very unlikely, especially when Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rinku Singh were denied a spot in the 15-man squad.
No place for Gaikwad and Samosn. You gotta be kidding me
Samson’s drop from ODIs and Gaikwad’s not being picked in any format are the most controversial decisions made by the new head coach, Gambhir, and the Agarkar-led selection committee.
Gaikwad has been the most promising batter for India, and he was considered the most likely player to replace the veteran Virat Kohli. However, he was not picked for just the next series after a 7, 77, and 49-run performance in the last tour.
Samson, who could have likely featured for India in the absence of Hardik and also could have replaced batters Iyer or Pant if needed, has been dropped despite his century in the last match he played in the ODI format. Indian selectors and Gambhir are yet to face the press, and they will be showered with questions for their unlikely moves, which do not seem to be beneficial for team India.