The IPL is done and dusted with, and the time has come for international tournaments to regain their spots. The English are having a busy schedule, having just concluded a series with the Kiwis, and currently hosting the Netherlands, followed by a tour from the South Africans. The same goes for the Windies, Pakistanis and Bangles. India too has recalled its players for national duty, with the South Africa series ending in a draw barely a week ago. Team India now is preparing for Ind vs Ire T20 series to be held in Ireland. The squad has been announced, and Hardik Pandya has been chosen to lead the team. The selectors though have chosen to shunt aside several players we thought would be crucial for this series. Here is a list of those players :
1) Prithvi Shaw
Young and dynamic Prithvi Shaw didn’t have the best of IPL seasons with the Delhi Capitals in 2022, but he is certainly worth being included in Ind vs Ire series, especially since the Indian team is filled with youngsters. The series would’ve been extremely essential for Prithvi Shaw to make a mark for selection in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. For now, he is focusing on domestic cricket, where he is the captain of Maharashtra.
2) Rahul Tewatia
The non-selection of Rahul Tewatia in Ind vs Ire squad was a very confusing one as the player had had one of the best IPL seasons. A part of the winning newbies Gujarat Titans, Tewatia made sure Gujarat reached home multiple times when the rest of the team was shattered. He single-handedly managed to win several games for India and having played under Pandya’s captaincy, it makes it very feasible to have him in the team for his hard-hitting abilities.
3) Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar, despite not having a great season this year, should’ve probably been given a chance against Ireland. This is because the youngster is a budding talent, and more international exposure is necessary to make sure the player reaches his full potential. He needs to play some international matches if he wants to make himself eligible for the T20 World Cup.
4) Shikhar Dhawan
The absence of the reliable Indian opener in the squad was very surprising and even disturbing for some. Shikhar Dhawan, known for his consistency with the bat, has been left out of Ind vs Ire series, probably to give a chance to the younger generation to prove themselves. Although the selectors have good intentions, it would’ve made more sense if they had sent at least one experienced batsman along with the team for moral support.
5) T Natarajan
Another youngster who missed out, T Natarajan made a remarkable comeback this IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Paired with Umran Malik, the newbie bowled very economically while striking wickets at regular intervals. While Umran Malik eclipsed his performance, he should definitely have been given a chance to play in the blue jersey, and it wouldn’t have hurt the selectors to keep as many bowling options available as possible.
