Axar is definitely overrated in Odis, but decent in T20 cricket. He is economical, but isn't a wickettaker. Kuldeep should undoubtedly be the one playing ahead of him. For the last couple of months, Krunal has done well. He would be a good substitute for Jaddu. Sheryas Iyer in my opinion, just needs to play more and get that international exposure. I believe he is a very talented player and be a good middle order batsman in middle order but he just needs to play a bit more in the international team. You can't just bash him based on one inning. He did well in domestic and in A team, you need to give these kinds of players chances.
Karin Nair has been very consistent with his performances, surprised he hasn't been selected yet.
The Sri Lanka series is good to rest a few players and test out these other players.
I don't have a problem with Iyer, or for that matter any of the players in the pool at the moment. I won't achieve what Dhawan has in his life. Same goes for Jadhav, Axar Patel and the person I dislike the most Ashwin.
I have a problem with the template and criteria for playing for India these days. I didn't like it when MS Dhoni dropped Dravid and Ganguly from the ODI side. I'm well aware that you're never going to get XI players playing for India according to everyone's likes. It's obviously impossible to please everyone.
But, there is a
vast difference in the outlook, spectrum and template behind some of the decisions Dhoni took compared to Kohli. Obviously, Kohli is not Dhoni. No one expects him to be. I'd be the first person to criticise anyone here who feels Kohli should be this cool, calm bloke on the field like MS was. That's not him.
But in their own different ways, both must make each decision for the betterment of Indian cricket.
This has been missing in abundance ever since Virat Kohli took over. It's not rocket science to figure out why some people are being selected over the other. When was the last time a cricketer made a triple hundred and suddenly vanished from the vicinity? He gave more than enough evidence in that innings alone of his abilities to play ODI/T20 cricket.
What about Jadeja and Ashwin? Yes, they were poor in limited overs and I was screaming for them to be sacked but have you told them that they may not be there in 2019 for the WC? Don't you think it will affect their confidence for tests or their morale?
What on earth has Kuldeep Yadav done to be treated like a rag?
What happened to KL Rahul after making the fastest T20 hundred by an Indian?
Apart from failing a yo-yo test that Ashish Nehra passed, what's happening with Raina?
Just like K Yadav what wrong did Maneesh Pandey do to lose his spot to DK? Is Jadhav a no.4, a finisher, an of spinner or a friend?
Why did Siraj play ahead of Shami and U Yadav?
Axar has not been more prolific than K Pandya, how is he playing ahead of him as the all rounder? Axar is bowling as badly as Jadeja but he's worse with the bat and in the field.
Speaking of Pandya's what is H Pandya's role now? Should we try him as an opener?
As far as I remember, Yuvraj and Dhoni were supposed to bat 4 and 5 in ODI's, now suddenly in the twilight of his career our WK batsman is again a finisher?
On the subject of finishers, Pant got dropped after one average game?
Just look at how many points I've made. This is not the DNA of a well planned side on their way to compete for a WC. It's the whim, fantasy and figment of imagination of a potty management led by a coach who's high on methane. We sacked the one with some dignity remember?
When MS Dhoni made those tough calls pre 2011, he had a feather in his cap in the 2007 WT20 and by the time there was a year to go for the WC, a tea stall owner would have told you our 15 for the WC. Right now, we are a mashed potato or an LIIT to suit Shastri's taste better. The repeated domination at home against depleted sides further masks our shortcomings.
