The team selection for India’s West Indies tour continues to be one controversy after another. Aa experienced players like Pujara have been left out of the team. For the first time, some new faces have also been given a chance in the Indian Team. But still, the debate about team selection does not stop. Let’s know, about the controversy.
Team Selection: Appointing Ajinkya Rahane as Vice-Captain Once Again
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Ajinkya Rahane was going through very bad form across formats the fin recent years. With an average of just 24.43 in Tests and 20.33 in ODIs since the start of 2020, it was a questionable decision to make him Vice-Captain again, especially considering his age. Other players like Shreyas Iyer or Hanuma Vihari were more deserving of the role.
Team Selection: Absence of Arshdeep Singh in Test and ODI Team
Arshdeep Singh has shown great potential as a fast bowler in his young career. His record suggests that he has established himself in limited-overs cricket. Arshdeep took 42 wickets at an average of 22.26 in 23 first-class games. He should have been included in the West Indies tour; he may have been a great help in both forms.
Team Selection: Not Selecting Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, with 937 runs in 11 Ranji Trophy matches this season at an average of 85.18, including three centuries. Sarfaraz is an excellent fielder also, which helps him contribute significantly to the ODI team.
Team Selection: Kuldeep’s Absence from the Test Team
The West Indies tour’s Test team dropped Kuldeep Yadav, an accomplished spinner with 33 wickets in 8 Tests at an average of 21.6 and 134 wickets in 81 ODI.
This was an incorrect decision, as he would have been useful in the spin-friendly conditions in the Caribbean.
Data Analysis:
The data supports the claims made above. Ajinkya Rahane, Arshdeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, and Kuldeep Yadav are all deserving of selection, as they have shown either poor form or excellent performance. The selectors need to rethink their decision-making process and start making better decisions to keep India successful in the future.
Here is some data to support the claims made above:
Ajinkya Rahane’s Recent Form:
Average in Tests since the start of 2020: 24.43
Average in ODIs since the start of 2020: 20.33
Arshdeep Singh’s Performance in First-Class Cricket:
Average: 22.26
Strike Rate: 25.37
Economy Rate: 3.32
Sarfaraz Khan’s Performance in Ranji Trophy Cricket:
Average: 85.18
Strike Rate: 72.43
Hundreds: 3
Kuldeep Yadav’s Performance in Tests:
Average: 25.27
Strike Rate: 52.19
Economy Rate: 3.21
FAQ
Why is ignoring recent forms of players a mistake?
A: Ignoring the recent form of players can make the selectors miss out on players who are in good form and can deliver the goods on the tour.
How can focusing only on big names hurt the team?
A: Focusing only on big names can mean overlooking players who are in good form, and who are better suited to the conditions in West Indies.
Conclusion:
The decision-making process of the Indian selectors is under question due to the exclusion of deserving players like Ajinkya Rahane, Arshdeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, and Kuldeep Yadav. The data clearly show their ability and potential.
Ultimately, the team selection for India‘s West Indies tour remains a contentious issue. BCCI needs to think about it.