While the spotlight is on the 2024 T20 World Cup, the BCCI is already planning for the future. The board recently announced India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting in Harare on July 6.
India will field an entirely second-string squad for this tour. Shubman Gill has been appointed captain, with many players earning their maiden call-ups to the national team. Rising stars like Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Tushar Deshpande, and Abhishek Sharma will have the opportunity to make their international debuts.
India’s squad for the Zimbabwe T20Is: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande.
However, a few deserving names were overlooked. While Tilak Varma is reportedly injured, other fit players also missed out unfortunately.
On that note, here are three players who were unlucky to miss out on India’s squad for the Zimbabwe T20I series.
#3 Varun Chakaravarthy
Varun Chakaravarthy was arguably the best Indian spinner on display in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been a standout performer for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) over the last two seasons, excelling across various phases and conditions.
Despite his impressive performances, the selectors have once again overlooked Chakaravarthy. Ravi Bishnoi is the only frontline spinner in the squad, with Washington Sundar and part-timers filling the other spots.
India could’ve benefited from an additional spinner in Zimbabwe. Even if not, Chakaravarthy’s splendid variations and consistency have certainly warranted his selection.
#2 Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar had a middling start to IPL 2024 but found his groove as the tournament progressed. The Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman emerged as one of the most dangerous players in the competition, especially against spin.
Despite his form, Patidar hasn’t been picked for the Zimbabwe tour. He has already made his international debut in the other two formats and possesses the pedigree to succeed at the highest level.
Patidar is on the wrong side of 30, which might have influenced the selectors’ decision. However, he is in the prime of his batting career, and his recent IPL performances certainly merit a place in the squad.
#1 Harshit Rana
Why hasn’t Harshit Rana been picked? He was part of the Emerging Teams tour, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, and showcased his potential during IPL 2024.
Rana possesses all the tools to become a world-class T20 bowler. The 22-year-old has high pace, an excellent slower ball that dips appreciably, and the ability to bowl across phases. He also has the potential to contribute as a batting all-rounder.
Rana arguably should have been ahead of Mukesh Kumar and Tushar Deshpande in the pecking order. It’s even arguable that he should’ve been picked ahead of the other two fast bowlers in the squad.
As India gears up for the Zimbabwe series, these three players will be reflecting on their exclusion, hoping for another opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage.
