The BCCI announced a second-string Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series against the South African cricket team earlier today. Left-handed opening batter Shikhar Dhawan will lead the side. Shreyas Iyer is the vice-captain, while the squad features some interesting new faces like Rajat Patidar, Rahul Tripathi, Mukesh Kumar and Shahbaz Ahmed.
Here is the full Indian squad for the ODI series against the Proteas:
Shikhar Dhawan (C), Shreyas Iyer (VC), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubhman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Mohd. Siraj, Deepak Chahar.
Some expected names were missing in the squad. Here’s a list of five such players.
1. Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw has provided blistering starts to his team at the top of the order. He has one of the best attacking games in the country. However, for some reason, he has not been selected in any squad this year.
2. Venkatesh Iyer
From being touted as the replacement for Hardik Pandya to not finding a place in India’s second-string squad, Venkatesh Iyer has fallen a long way down. The ODIs against South Africa would have served as a good platform for him, but Iyer did not receive a place.
3. Krunal Pandya
Last year, Krunal Pandya set a new record for the quickest ODI fifty by a debutant. However, he did not get many opportunities after that. Shahbaz Ahmed has been picked ahead of Krunal.
4. Mohsin Khan
Mohsin Khan and Mukesh Kumar were two of the most impressive Indian left-arm fast bowlers in IPL 2022. Mukesh earned the call-up to the national squad, while Mohsin was unlucky to miss out.
5. Chetan Sakariya
Chetan Sakariya made his debut against Sri Lanka last year. However, he warmed the benches this year at Delhi Capitals and has been ignored by the selectors.
