On June 25, 1932, India played their first international match. Over 90 years have passed since that momentous occasion, and India has evolved as a heavyweight cricketing powerhouse. There is now an amazing amount of talent emerging on the Indian domestic circuit, and as a result, there is fierce competition for a berth in the playing XI.
Many cricket commentators describe the cutthroat fight for berths as a pleasant headache since it motivates players to perform well. The disadvantage to the abundance issue is that players are dropped after having an outstanding performance for the country.
Here are three current Indian cricketers who were discarded despite outstanding performances.
Number 1. Sanju Samson
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In June 2022, India met Ireland at the last game of a two-match T20I series in Dublin. Hardik Pandya and company did not get off to a good start after deciding to bat first, as they lost Kishan early. However, Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson joined forces, and the rest is history.
The pair played courageous cricket, putting the opponents under pressure. Samson slammed 77 runs off 42 balls, while Hooda smacked a century. They contributed to India’s imposing total of 225 runs in 20 overs. Hardik and company triumphed by four runs, taking the series 2-0.
India’s next T20I match was against England. Samson was included in the team for the first T20I and was vying for a berth in the playing XI. The squad management, however, chose wicketkeeper-batters Ishan Kishan and Dinesh Karthik, and the Trivandrum batter, who performed well in his last appearance, was forced to warm the bench.
Number 2. Ravi Bishnoi
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In August 2022, India faced the West Indies in the last game of a five-match T20I series in Lauderhill. Hardik and company batted first and scored 188 runs, with Shreyas Iyer (64 runs off 40 deliveries) leading the way.
As a result, the hosts were bundled out for just 100 runs. Ravi Bishnoi was the main wrecker, taking four wickets for 16 runs in 2.4 overs. The ace spinner also finished the series as India’s best wicket-taker, with eight wickets in three games at a 6.46 economy rate.
However, the team’s administration did not continue to support Bishnoi. In the first games of the Asia Cup 2022, India chose leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal over the 22-year-old.
Number 3. Ishan Kishan
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In December 2022, India faced Bangladesh in the last game of a three-match ODI series in Chattogram. The Bangla Tigers were aiming for a series sweep after winning the first two games, but Ishan Kishan was ready for the task.
The wicketkeeper-batter put on a show of his swashbuckling stroke play, dismantling Bangladesh’s bowling attack with 210 runs off 131 deliveries, helping India set a frightening total of 409. He reached 200 off 126 balls, becoming India’s quickest double tonne in 50-over cricket. The match was won by the Men in Blue by a score of 227 runs.
Despite his record-breaking innings, Kishan was not selected for the opening game of the current ODI series against Sri Lanka, as Shubman Gill was chosen ahead of him. The latter, on the other hand, made the most of the occasion, earning 70 points on 60 attempts.
