‘Shame on Indian Cricket Board’ – Fans unhappy with several changes in Indian squad for Sri Lanka series
Shikhar Dhawan had a terrible year with the bat in ODI in 2022.
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Dec 28, 2022 11:41 am
India vs Sri Lanka (Source: Twitter)
The Indian Cricket Board on Tuesday announced the squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI home series against Sri Lanka starting 3rd January. Rohit Sharma, who has been recovering from a thumb injury, will miss out from the three-match T20I series and will return to lead the team in ODIs.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been named the captain of the T20I squad with Suryakumar Yadav set to be his deputy. Star batter Virat Kohli has not been picked for the T20I squad as well and will return to the team in the ODI series while KL Rahul has taken a personal leave on account of his wedding and won’t be a part of the T20I series.
Pandya, who led the Gujarat franchise to Indian T20 League triumph during the last edition was touted as Rohit’s replacement after India’s humiliating loss to England in the semi-finals of the 20-20 World Cup.
While Rohit is still recovering from thumb dislocation, the Indian Cricket Board press release doesn’t state if it is a permanent change or just for one series.
“Yes, there will be no official announcement that Rohit has been removed from T20I captaincy but he along with Kohli and Rahul will be phased out from the format. Obviously, Rohit’s dislocated thumb injury hasn’t completely healed although he has started training. But phasing out has indeed started,” a senior Indian Cricket Board source privy to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Star batter Rishabh Pant has also been left out of the squad for both T20Is and ODIs. It is understood that he has been asked to report at the NCA for a knee strengthening rehabilitation programme for two weeks.
Interestingly, Hardik has been named as vice-captain for the ODIs and Rahul will play in the team as a wicketkeeper-batter.
Shikhar Dhawan dropped after having his worst year in ODIs since 2013
In a shocking move, out-of-form Shikhar Dhawan has also been dropped from the ODI squad. Dhawan scored 688 runs in 22 innings in 2022 at an average of 34.40 and a strike rate of 74.21. It’s his worst-ever average and strike rate for a calendar year in ODIs since his return to the Indian team in 2013.
Uncapped Indian pacers and Indian T20 League big buys Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar have got maiden T20I call-ups. Mavi was picked by Gujarat for Rs 6 crore, while Bengal’s Mukesh was snapped by Delhi for Rs 5.50 crore.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rahul Tripathi, two powerhouse Indian T20 League performers, made it to the T20 side as well.
The ODI side boasts a more experienced look with Mohammed Shami coming back from a shoulder injury.
India’s squad for India vs Sri Lanka T20I series: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.
India’s squad for India vs Sri Lanka ODI series: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.
Meanwhile Twitter was abuzz after India’s squad was announced. Here are some of the reactions:
Shame on @BCCI The player who topped in all icc tournament is dropped & player like hardik who is not fit for 10 overs bowling is vice captain. Feel for @SDhawan25 Most underrated player. Kl rahul failed in every format but he is in all squads.
Totally agree . Kl Rahul is so arrogant . He is insecure for his position because of his poor form . He is out of mind . Senseless . Million dollar question why he is getting so many favours ?
— World is one 🇮🇳 🇺🇸 Bharat (ModiKaParivar) (@sksktx) December 28, 2022
Why @imVkohli and @ImRo45 isn't included in the T20Is against Sri Lanka you've to answer this @BCCI both of them are the giants of Indian cricket in every format. We all want them back.
It is not good for anyone. We know about Rohit Sharma Captaincy in specially in t20 but One t20 World Cup can't decide Rohit future so Very shame on BCCI for Drop Rohit In t20 If you are want to drop permanently so tell Officially otherwise You can't ignore him.
