Umesh Yadav made a stunning return to the Indian T20I squad after Mohammed Shami tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Indian cricket team’s series against the Australian cricket team. Shami was set to make his comeback to T20Is after the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, but he has to wait a little longer now.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Umesh Yadav has received the reward for his consistent performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2022. He has not played T20I cricket since 2019 and was not even in the probables for the T20 World Cup 2021.
Like Umesh Yadav, there are few other Indian cricketers who have been ignored by the selectors since the T20 World Cup last year but could make a surprise comeback to the squad soon. Here’s a list of such four names.
1. Khaleel Ahmed could make a comeback like Umesh Yadav
Khaleel Ahmed has always been a wicket-taking bowler. But for some reason, Ahmed has not received a chance to play for India in the last few years. After his good performances for DC in IPL 2022, Khaleel deserves one more opportunity to prove himself.
2. Krunal Pandya could make a comeback like Umesh Yadav
With Ravindra Jadeja injured, India need a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder in the team. Axar Patel and Shahbaz Ahmed are two good options, but someone like Krunal Pandya, who hasn’t played for India this year, could also be considered.
3. T Natarajan
T Natarajan was considered as India’s main left-arm fast bowler in 2020/21. However, injuries put him behind in the race. Considering his previous performances in Australia, Natarajan stands an outside chance of making a comeback.
4. Rahul Tewatia
All-rounder Rahul Tewatia was named in the Indian T20I squad for the series against England last year. However, he did not get a chance to play and the selectors have ignored him since then. Tewatia was one of the best finishers in IPL this year and can add some much-needed firepower to the Indian squad.
