The Indian Cricket Board announced the Indian squads for the Tests and ODIs for the upcoming multi-format tour of the West Indies and the USA. Team India will play two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is against the Caribbeans. After a short off-season following India’s heartbreaking loss against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final, the West Indies tour would mark the resumption of competitive action for Team India.
While the squads for the ODIs and Tests have been announced, we’re yet to hear a word on the T20 squads. Following the announcements on Friday, 24 June, the surprise omissions and unconventional picks have been the talk of the town in the Cricket Community. Notably, youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad have found their way in while many other deserving ones are yet to receive their maiden call-up.
Sarfaraz Khan’s snub from the Test squad has been the talk of the town
Following the announcement, former India batter Wasim Jaffer could to Twitter to share his thoughts on the recent squad selection. He highlighted three major points. Firstly, he complained about the exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan, something that every Indian fan resonated with. Secondly, questioned the inclusion of Ruturaj Gaikwad over deserving domestic stars like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Priyank Panchal. Lastly, his final concern was about Mohammed Shami’s rest for the entire tour.
Notably, Sarfaraz Khan is one of the most deserving red-ball batters in the Indian domestic circuit at the moment who deserves a maiden Test call-up. He has a staggering record for Mumbai this season which includes 13 centuries. He’s easily head and shoulders above everyone in terms of statistics. As such, his omission was a big talking point.
Moreover, Wasim Jaffer did not fail to mention the impact of the Indian Premier League in the selection process and it is quite clear that recent form in the lucrative T20 League has been a factor in the selections. Players like Gaikwad and Jaiswal enjoyed successful seasons whereas Sarfaraz Khan flopped for Delhi Capitals with 53 runs in four outings in the entire 2023 season.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Yes,we are back in 2000s this whole vibe of Indian cricket is so regressive.
— Archer (@poserarcher) June 24, 2023
We need you in the selection committee !!
— Adish (@AdishG97) June 24, 2023
More like 3 cents…Perhaps Rohit wants to come back in the middle order?
— Viral Patel (@viralpatel15) June 24, 2023
Our team's downfall started when Virat Kohli left the test captaincy. I would be very surprised if we reach the WTC final the 3rd time.
— VK?? (@kushwahavikas90) June 24, 2023
@WasimJaffer14 playing Xi bna do?
— JuTt Saaß (@Juttsahib07) June 24, 2023
Agree fully. Also if Pujara why not Kohli?
— pikul sarkar (@pikulsarkar) June 24, 2023
Sir apply for bcci selection committee
— VCFC (@chaitanya_veldi) June 24, 2023
And why you not mention name subham gill he jumped the queue to play odi.
— Pritam anand (@Pmad9955) June 24, 2023
