The COVID-19 crisis has changed the way the world operates. In the game of cricket, too, there have been many changes. While most of these modifications are related to pre and post-match affairs, a long break has also changed the way the squads are picked.
India last played a T20 International in March. Since then, IPL is the only tournament where the Indians played T20 cricket. Despite this, there are a few differences between that T20 squad and the team that is going to play in Australia. While injuries are one reason, the current form is another. In this article, we talk about five players who were in the team to face New Zealand but not in the T20 squad for the Australia series.
1. Rohit Sharma
Courtesy of an injury, Rohit Sharma happens to be the biggest name on this list. Rohit is an important part of India’s limited-overs squad. However, the focus is now on him being ready for the Test series, a tournament in which Virat Kohli would miss three games. Hence, Rohit’s presence is crucial in those matches. To achieve this, Rohit has been granted rest from the limited-overs’ tournament. However, for the T20 games, India would not be worried much. There are ample backups, and it would also be an opportunity for the management to audition the third opener’s role for the T20 World Cup.
2. Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant is a surprising absence in the T20 squad. Instead, he has been picked for the Test series. Similar to Rohit Sharma, Pant’s injury during IPL might have played a part in this decision. Also, his indifferent form during IPL could have also been a reason for his inclusion. Although KL Rahul is likely to keep wickets, Team India also has Sanju Samson in the reserves. Pant should expect himself to be in the playing XI for the Test series. Despite having Saha in the team, Pant’s batting form in Test matches could give him an edge.
3. Shivam Dube
In the previous series, Hardik Pandya was not in the squad. The hard-hitting all-rounder was nursing an injury then. With his return to the team, Shivam Dube has understandably lost his spot. That said, given that Hardik is not 100% with his bowling, Shivam could have had a chance to be in the squad. However, he was unsatisfactory in the IPL, and hence, he must now re-do all the hard work to make it back to the Indian Team.
4. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav’s absence in the team is purely down to his form. In IPL 2020, Kuldeep was in dismal form as he even failed to make it to the playing XI in a few games. When he was in the squad too, Kuldeep couldn’t make an impact. His bowling lacked the impetus to put pressure on the batsmen, thereby losing his advantage of being a left-arm wrist-spinner. Washington Sundar, who did well during the powerplay in IPL, will continue his RCB spin-partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal in Australia. Kuldeep would want to make an impression again by doing well in the ODI series, for which he has been selected.
5. Shardul Thakur
Despite making big strides in international cricket in recent years, Shardul Thakur could not lit IPL 2020 on fire. Also, his tendency to leak runs could have played a part in his exclusion. He has been given a chance in the ODI series though. The Mumbai pacer would also add depth to the batting unit in ODIs. Shardul’s place in the T20 squad has been taken by T Natarajan. The SRH bowler is in fine form and is a better and more suitable pick in the T20 format. His presence could also give Jasprit Bumrah a break in a few games.
