India announced their squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and there weren’t too many notable absentees. The only names that could have made the cut for the Indian team and had to be ruled out due to injury were Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami.
However, with the heat through the skies and the anticipation of a potential 5-match dress rehearsal of the WTC final, a few players would have been expecting to get the call-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Here are four players who were unfortunate to miss out on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
#1 Ruturaj Gaikwad
It was a tussle between Gaikwad and Abhimanyu Easwaran to be slotted into the side as a back-up opener. However, three centuries from Easwaran got himself the nod ahead of the CSK skipper but then Gaikwad wasn’t far behind. In the clash between Maharashtra and Mumbai, Gaikwad blasted a 145 while scoring an 86 against Jammu and Kashmir.
#2 Kuldeep Yadav
His injury will keep him away but Kuldeep Yadav would have been a brilliant addition to the Indian side. His chinaman bowling is always one to watch out for particularly in the Australian conditions and more importantly Yadav’s recent form has been great as well. Ever since his return from injury, he has been an absolute menace and India would have really benefitted from the move.
#3 Axar Patel
Axar Patel has proven his worth in Indian conditions and yet his absence in the first two Test matches hurt India badly against New Zealand. Axar isn’t just a bowler who can roll his arms for a few handy overs but he is a wicket-taker and most importantly, he can bat. He would have been a valuable to the Indian side in the Aussie conditions.
#4 Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has always been a handy all-rounder and his presence in the Indian side could have been a massive boost, particularly in the Australian conditions. Shardul Thakur banks upon lateral movement and the Aussie pitches have always offered plenty of swing. With that being said, Thakur would be unfortunate to not be a part of the BGT squad.
