2022 was a hectic year for all Indian players. There was a lot of cricket this year, and hardly there was a time when Indian cricketers were not on the field. The year started with a tour of South Africa, followed by home series against West Indies. Sri Lanka came to India next, followed by a long IPL season, the rescheduled fifth Test against England, six white-ball games against England and two T20Is against Ireland.
Next, India headed to West Indies for three ODIs and five T20Is, followed by Asia Cup, home series against Australia and South Africa, ICC T20 World Cup and finally, the away series against New Zealand and Bangladesh. One can only imagine the enormous workload that the Indian players had in the year 2022.
It is extremely difficult for any player to survive in all 3 formats, which is why players like Ben Stokes and Quinton de Kock have retired from one format of the game. It should not be a surprise if the following four Indian players make up their minds to give up 1 format of cricket in 2023:
1. Hardik Pandya – Test
Hardik Pandya’s fitness was a massive area of concern for India when 2021 ended. There was a question mark over his future, but he made a roaring comeback in white-ball cricket in 2022. Pandya should focus on ODIs and T20Is only as India do not have any other player like him.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin – T20Is
Ravichandran Ashwin is India’s best all-rounder in Tests. India have got other options in T20Is, but there is no one like Ashwin in Tests, which is why he should think of quitting T20Is and focusing on Tests.
3. Mohammed Shami – T20Is
Mohammed Shami’s T20I career has not been the best. His performance in ODIs and T20Is is much better. He should think of leaving T20Is altogether and maximize his Test and ODI careers.
4. Ravindra Jadeja – T20Is
Ravindra Jadeja has suffered multiple injuries in 2022. Perhaps, reducing his appearance in T20I cricket can help him a lot because the ODI World Cup will happen in 2023 and there will be a lot of Test cricket as well.
