3 players who might never make a comeback in ODIs for India

With less than eight months before the World Cup in 2019, the Indian team almost looks settled with a definite bowling attack and a solid top order. The only issue for the Men in Blue is to find a reliable middle-order ahead of their World Cup campaign.

The Virat-led side has tried a great number of options for the vacant middle order spot but everyone has failed to capitalize and make that spot his own. However, it seems that the team has decided to stick to a set of 3-4 players, whom they can chop and change to find the perfect combination in the middle-order.

This might close the doors for few players like Suresh Raina to make a comeback in the ODI side.

Here's a look at three of those players who might fail to make a comeback into the Indian ODI side.

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#3 Irfan Pathan

Pathan has been a very useful ODI player for India in the past as he was viewed as a genuine all-rounder majorly due to his ability to strike big and swing the ball at a decent pace. He enjoyed the best time of the career during the early 2000s and was a crucial member in Sourav Ganguly's scheme of things.

However, after he lost the ability to swing, his stocks went downhill. He did flourish in the shortest version of the game but failed to make a comeback in the ODI side. Recently, Pathan shifted his base from Baroda to Jammu And Kashmir, not only as a mentor but also as a player. However, his exploits with bat and ball haven't been pleasing and is certain that Pathan has lost every hope to stage a comeback in the national side.

#2 Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir, who was a member of India's golden period in the lead up to the World Cup 2011, witnessed a remarkable run in 2009. The kind of attitude Gautam has shown to battle it out until the last drop, gives an indication of his dedication towards the sport and his country.

He still runs yard and puts in every possible bit to break into the national side for one final time. In a recent Vijay Hazare game for Delhi, the skipper even scored a 150 to show that the fire is still alive and kicking in him to make a desperate comeback. However, with the kind of young talent emerging in the domestic circuit and the little scope left for a spot in the XI, it is uncertain that Gautam will make a return to the Indian side.

#1 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh was a comeback man when he broke into the ODI XI on the back of his consistent run in the domestic circuit in 2016, though it was certain that a young and athletic Yuvraj will be missed in the field. But the veteran tried to compensate it with his batting, and cement a spot in the limited overs set-up.

However, apart from his one innings of 150 against England at home, the man on the comeback trail did nothing much to impress the selectors. As a result, the management didn't continue with him for a long run after India's defeat in the Champions Trophy 2017. However, he is striking the ball well for his state team at the Vijay Hazare but it is highly unlikely that Yuvraj will make an ODI return.