3 Indian Cricketers who did not get ample chances in ODI

Cricket is the most popular sport in India and is often regarded as a religion in the country. But, the game has evolved drastically over the years, which has also affected the selection criteria for the players.

The competition in the Indian domestic circuit is quite stiff and is arguably one of the toughest across the globe. The nation has a gigantic pool of talented domestic cricketers who burn the midnight oil to represent the country at the highest level.

However, the pressure to perform against the best teams in the world is not easy to withstand. A combination of immense potential and temperament is vital to succeed on the international front.

Over the years, there have been numerous players who have proven their prowess in the Indian domestic circuit or the Test arena on a consistent basis. Yet, they were given a handful of chances to showcase their talent on the limited overs stage.

Here is a look at three such players:

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#3 Manoj Tiwary

Manoj Tiwary (R) wasn't given many chances to cement a spot in the ODI side

Manoj Tiwary's performance in the domestic circuit has always been superb. The batsman has scored over 8000 first-class runs at an average of 50.35, including 26 centuries. However, Tiwary has represented India in just 12 ODIs and at the moment, his chances of a comeback into the Indian limited overs setup aren't particularly bright.

The 33-year-old has been quite unfortunate when considering the amount of opportunities he has been accorded. Despite boasting a splendid record in the domestic circuit, Tiwary has never been allowed to cement a place in the ODI side with him falling victim to the constant chopping and changing.

The right handed batsman has also been a regular feature in the Indian Premier league for various franchises and has shown promise as an attacking middle order batsman who can provide solidity to the team.

Yet, he has somehow been deprived of the chances his talent and record has deserved.

#2 Faiz Fazal

Faiz Fazal

Faiz Fazal has been a prolific performer in the domestic circuit ever since his debut in 2003. He has scored 7,837 first-class runs at an impressive average of 41.90.

Faiz earned a spot in the Indian squad for the Zimbabwe tour of 2016 courtesy his spellbinding performances in domestic cricket that year.

He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and smashed an unbeaten 55 on his debut against Zimbabwe at Harare. The innings showcased the exemplary technique he possessed.

Unfortunately for him though, Faiz didn't impress the selectors enough. He has continued his rich vein of form in the domestic circuit, scoring tons of runs for Vidarbha and guiding them to consecutive Ranji Trophy triumphs. Yet, he hasn't played another ODI since.

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#1 Gagan Khoda

Gagan Khoda

Gagan Khoda came into the limelight when he scored a century on his first-class debut in the 1991-92 season of the Ranji Trophy. The Rajasthan-born opening batsman was just 17 years old when he achieved the feat.

However, Khoda made it to the Indian ODI team only in 1998, during the Coca-Cola Cup. He scored a match-winning 89 against Kenya in his second match and was adjudged the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

Surprisingly, the right handed opener was dropped from the team after that match and was never considered again for a spot in the Indian playing XI. Khoda scored 115 runs in the two ODIs he played for India, at an average of 57.50