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Top 5 players who failed to get a national call despite performing in Ranji Trophy
The Ranji Trophy has been a breeding ground for talent, yet certain standout performers remain overlooked.
The ongoing IND vs ENG Test series witnesses the induction of promising domestic talents like Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar into the Indian squad. Meanwhile, delve into a listicle to shed light on the top five players who, despite stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy, have failed to secure a coveted national call-up. The Ranji Trophy has been a breeding ground for talent, yet certain standout performers remain overlooked.
This list will explore the stories of these unsung heroes, delving into their consistent contributions to the domestic circuit and questioning the factors preventing their ascent to the international stage. As the cricketing landscape evolves, this compilation aims to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those who, despite excelling in the Ranji Trophy, await their chance to don the national colours, sparking discussions on the selection dynamics and the potential reshaping of the cricketing hierarchy.
#5. Aniket Chaudhary, Rajasthan
Aniket Chaudhary (Source: Twitter)
Rajasthan pacer Aniket Chaudhary, showcasing remarkable prowess in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, has seized 21 wickets in just nine innings at an impressive economy rate of 2.33. His stellar performances extend to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he claimed 19 wickets across eight games. In the previous Ranji Trophy season, Aniket scalped 30 wickets in 12 innings.
Despite this consistent brilliance, the talented fast bowler finds himself overlooked by the national selectors, highlighting the unfortunate reality of limited opportunities at the international level. Aniket Chaudhary’s incredible stats beg the question of whether he will eventually get the chance to prove his mettle on the grand stage.
#4. Ankit Bawne, Maharashtra
Ankit Bawne (Source: Twitter)
Despite a stellar performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Maharashtra batter Ankit Bawne, aged 31, is yet to secure a spot in the Indian team. Bawne has been a standout performer, amassing 534 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 59.33, including two centuries and two half-centuries.
His excellence extended to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 506 runs in 7 innings at an average of 84.33, featuring three centuries and a half-century. Notably, he recorded a brilliant 167 off 105 balls against Manipur. Despite consistently setting the stage ablaze in domestic cricket, Bawne awaits national recognition, leaving fans and cricket pundits pondering the criteria influencing national team selections.
#3. Paras Dogra, Puducherry
Paras Dogra (Source: Twitter)
Despite his phenomenal performances in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Puducherry’s seasoned right-hand batter, Paras Dogra, finds himself excluded from the Indian team. At 39 years old, Dogra has showcased his cricketing prowess, amassing 230 runs in 11 innings, which includes a noteworthy half-century against the formidable Jammu and Kashmir side.
His remarkable consistency extends to the previous edition, where he scored an impressive 444 runs, including a stellar 159-run knock against Kerala. Despite these stellar achievements, Dogra’s exclusion from the national squad prompts contemplation on the factors influencing team selection and raises questions about the recognition of outstanding domestic performers at the highest level.
#2. Jalaj Saxena, Kerala
Jalaj Saxena (Source: Twitter)
Kerala all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, at 37, has showcased exceptional prowess in the Ranji Trophy, yet his stellar performances have not earned him a spot in the Indian team. In the ongoing season, Saxena’s remarkable all-round display includes scoring 123 runs in 8 innings and claiming an astounding 32 wickets in 11 innings, including a memorable 13-wicket haul against Bengal.
Notably, his 9/68 in the first inning and a crucial 77-run contribution with the bat stood out. Despite his consistent brilliance, Saxena faces stiff competition with Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar in the spin department, thwarting his national team aspirations. His story reflects the untold struggles of domestic stalwarts who await the elusive call to don the Indian jersey.
#1. Sheldon Jackson, Saurashtra
Sheldon Jackson (Source: Twitter)
Despite his phenomenal performances in the Ranji Trophy, Saurashtra’s wicketkeeper-batter, Sheldon Jackson, aged 37, continues to elude the Indian Team call-up. Jackson, in the ongoing Ranji season, amassed 348 runs in 8 innings at an average of 43.50, including notable knocks of 116 runs against Rajasthan.
In the previous Ranji Trophy, he played a pivotal role in his team’s championship win by scoring 588 runs in 15 innings at an average of 39.20. Despite consistently proving his mettle, Jackson faces stiff competition from players like KS Bharat, Ishan Kishan, and KL Rahul, resulting in his continued absence from the national squad. The seasoned cricketer’s journey exemplifies the challenges of breaking into a fiercely competitive Indian lineup.
