West Indies vs India 2019: 3 Indian players who missed out on a spot in the ODI squad

After the disastrous exit of India at the hands of New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals, the selectors have finally picked the team for the tour against the West Indies in August. They have tried to pick some talented players in the squad and, at the same time, have kept faith in some under-performing senior players.

It has resulted in some deserving and talented players missing out on the chance of making it to the ODI squad against the West Indies. This could have been the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their worth to the selectors, who should look to invest in these players soon to bring a balance to the side and rectify the mistakes committed at the World Cup.

Let us have a look at the three Indian players who have not been picked in the ODI squad against the West Indies.

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#3 Ajinkya Rahane

Australia v India - Game 3

The decision of the selectors to leave out Rahane in the ODI series against the West Indies was surprising. Being a technically sound batsman and capable of playing the seamers with proficiency, Rahane was probably the best choice for India to solve their problem regarding the No.4 batting position. This problem was very much reflected in the semi-final match of the 2019 World Cup when the top order collapsed, and the middle order was unable to help the team chase down the target of 240.

In ODIs, Rahane has scored 2962 runs in 90 matches at an average of 35.26. Hence, his statistics testify that he can take on the best bowlers in the limited-overs format.

The selectors should not have selected Manish Pandey as he looked quite out of form in the IPL and has failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented to him in the Indian team.

#2 Krunal Pandya

New Zealand Black Caps v India - International T20 Game 2

Krunal Pandya has been a consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL for the last couple of years. In international format also, Pandya has bowled well for India in the T20s. He has been deadly accurate, kept things tight from one end and hence has been instrumental in breaking partnerships for his team. In 11 T20 matches, Pandya has picked up 11 wickets at an average of 33.09. His best figures of 4/36 have come against Australia.

Instead of picking Pandya, the selectors have kept faith in Kuldeep Yadav who brought his terrible IPL form in the World Cup and hence failed to deliver on the grandest stage. It could have been wise on the part of the selectors to have dropped him from this series for introspection and chosen Krunal Pandya in his place in the squad.

#1 Shubman Gill

New Zealand v India - ODI Game 5

Shubman Gill is one of the most talented youngsters in the country at the moment. His technique is excellent, he has the patience to remain on the crease for long, and is capable of taking on world-class bowlers. For India A, Gill has scored 1545 runs in 38 matches at an impressive average of 45.44. In the Indian Premier League also, Gill had a fabulous season for the Kolkata Knight Riders and won the Emerging Player of the Tournament award. In 14 matches, he scored 296 runs at an average of 32.88 and his highest score was 76 last season.

Having just played 2 ODIs for India, Gill should have been selected in India's squad against the West Indies in place of the struggling Kedar Jadhav, who had a poor World Cup for India and hence was dropped in favour of Dinesh Karthik in the last stages of the tournament.