In Indian cricket, there is a plethora of fresh talent. Not only that, but the pressures of the world stage no longer scare the youth. Even if they do well in domestic cricket, veteran players who are no longer part of the Indian squad would find it tough to return to the national team. Some of them may be forced to retire as a result.
World cricket has come a long way over the years. Cricket in India has undoubtedly been a driving element behind this powerful movement. It has undergone a tremendous change from an exclusive sport to one that honors skill. Every cricketing superstar needs to be on their toes on a daily basis, with fitness and agility being the norm.
In this article, we look at 5 players who might get sidelined if Rahul Dravid takes over as a coach
1. Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav first wore the national shirt in 2010, after putting up strong performances for Vidarbha in the Ranji circuit. He was called up to the national team in ODIs against Zimbabwe, and he won his Test cap against the West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi the following year. Despite this, Yadav was unable to secure a position in a competitive Indian squad due to a lack of consistent performances over an extended period of time. He is a force to be reckoned with in the longest version of the game, having represented India 49 times to date. If Rahul Dravid becomes the coach of Team India, it will be incredibly difficult for 33-year-old Yadav to continue for the national team. Dravid is likely to give chances to young players.
2. Kedar Jadhav
Considering Kedar Jadhav’s performance in the IPL 2021 – 55 runs in 6 matches – it would be even difficult for him to be in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s first-choice eleven, let alone make a return to the India side. Because he offers a part-time bowling alternative, he was chosen for the national team. His batting statistics, however, were insufficient to retain him on the team. As a result, Jadhav’s international career appears to be over, with the IPL serving as the last nail in the coffin. If he returns to the national team, it will be a miracle.
3. Ishant Sharma
Over the years, the Delhi-based speedster has honed his skills. The Test cricket stalwart is famed for delivering extended periods and taking wickets with ferocious speed and swing. In 2014, the 32-year-old bowled his finest stint against England at Lord’s. Ishant smashed the English batting line-up to bits, taking 7 wickets for 74 runs and guiding the side to victory. He did not participate in the ODIs or T20Is due to different reasons, but he continues to play in the Test team. He may potentially be replaced in the Test team if Dravid can find a good successor, as age is not on Ishant’s side.
4. Ajinkya Rahane
Statistics speak volumes about Rahane’s ability. Rahane has 4756 runs at an average of 39.6 while representing India in Test cricket for 78 appearances. The top-order batsman has established himself as a competent player over the years. However, he struggled to establish himself as a regular contributor. His recent performance has been dismal. With Dravid as the team’s coach, younger players will undoubtedly take Rahane’s spot sooner or later.
5. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara getting dropped sounds logical. During the World Test Championship final, Pujara was unable to contribute. His scores of 15 and 8 were not enough to enable Team India to beat New Zealand by a large margin. The 33-year-old hasn’t had a big knock in the previous 24 months. Many in the cricket community think that now is the time for the veteran to retire so that the younger players may shine.
