The Indian national selectors announced a 19-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against England. Bhuvneshwar Kumar who had missed a lot of action is finally back in the Indian squad for this T20I series whereas the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami have been rested. The main talking point is the maiden call-up for a few players. Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rahul Tewatia have received their maiden India call-up for the five-match T20I series.
All three of them had a successful IPL and they have been rewarded with an India call-up with the World T20 in focus. Ishan Kishan is the second wicket-keeper whereas Suryakumar Yadav is the middle-order option in the squad. These players deserve their call-up but there are a few players who might consider them unlucky to miss out on the squad. So, let’s have a look at four unlucky players to miss out on India’s T20I squad against England.
4. Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey who was a part of the Indian T20I squad for the Australia series has been dropped for the England series. Pandey who was injured and missed the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been in and out of the XI but he was in the squad on most of the occasions.
The Karnataka player had a good IPL as he scored 425 runs in 15 innings at an average of 32.69 and a strike-rate of 127.62. He is a solid middle-order player and he would consider himself unlucky as he got injured in Australia and then didn’t get an opportunity to prove himself. Pandey will be hoping to make a comeback in the Indian side through the next IPL.
3. Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson who was the second wicket-keeper in the shortest format in Australia has gone behind Ishan Kishan in the pecking order as he has been preferred over the Kerala wicket-keeper batsman. Samson got three matches in Australia and even though he didn’t make a big score he played some good cameos in the middle-overs.
He had a decent IPL season as he scored 375 runs at a strike-rate of 158.89. Samson has had a few problems with consistency but when he performs, he is a match-winner. Samson might have lost his place for the time being but he will get a chance in the IPL to make a strong case for himself.
2. Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya who has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians’ first XI didn’t get an opportunity in the T20I series against England. He was fallen out of favor and hasn’t played for India since 2019.
Pandya is a decent T20 bowler who can bat at No.6 or No.7 and finish games for his team. He has played his role to perfection in the MI team and he can do that in the Indian team as well. He will consider himself unlucky to miss out and he will be hoping to join his brother sooner or later in the Indian squad.
1. Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar who was part of the Test squad due to an injury to Axar Patel isn’t part of the T20I squad for the upcoming series. Chahar has done extremely well in the IPL over the last couple of years. Along with Yuzvendra Chahal, he has been the stand-out Indian leg-spinner in the IPL.
In the last IPL, he picked up 15 wickets in 15 matches at an economy rate of 8.16. Chahar has played only one T20I for India will consider himself unlucky to not get any more chances. He will have a chance in the IPL to impress the selectors for the T20 World Cup.
