India’s tour to South Africa couldn’t have started on a better note. They are leading 1-0 in the 3-Test match series. India is on the cusp of creating history with the prize of winning the Test series in South Africa for the first time. Post the Test series, India will be contesting a 3-match ODI series too. Here are 5 India’s ODI Squad Omissions.

Rohit Sharma, the new white-ball captain has been ruled out owing to an injury. KL Rahul will captain the side in his absence. Most of the players picked themselves in the squad. But there were few notable omissions from the squad.

5 India’s ODI Squad Omissions

#5 Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel became the first Indian uncapped bowler to bag the purple cap. He ended with a record-equalling 32 wickets in a single season. Patel’s slower balls were almost impossible to get away. He picked wickets not just at the death but right through the 20 overs. Patel made an instant impression in the T20Is against New Zealand. He could have been tested in the ODIs too against South Africa. But it wasn’t meant to be.

#4 Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan is one of the most improved bowlers in domestic cricket. He had a sensational IPL 2021. Khan was the 2nd highest wicket-taker. For an uncapped bowler, he was absolutely sensational. He troubled the best of the batsmen with his pace, skill, and variation.

Khan is definitely a future prospect who has the potential to play for the country across all 3 formats. The bouncier pitches of South Africa would have been ideal for him to make his debut.

#3 Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan is the toast of domestic cricket right now. He smashed a brilliant last-ball six to help Tamil Nadu win the SMAT title. Khan has established himself as a gun finisher. He presented another masterclass when he spearheaded a miraculous run-chase for TN.

Khan is a 3-dimensional cricketer who bowls occasional wrist-spin and is a gun fielder too. In the continued absence of Hardik Pandya, a player like SRK might just be the cushion that the team needs. Experts expected him to be part of India’s squad but he has missed out narrowly.

#2 Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw had a fine IPL 2021. His quick-fire starts played a key role in Delhi’s playoffs qualification. Shaw’s List A career is outstanding. In the 41 games he has played so far, Shaw has scored 2211 runs at an average of 58.2 and with a strike rate of 125. There hasn’t been a better young talent in India other than Shaw in recent years. He should have been tested against the Proteas in place of Shikhar Dhawan, who is at the fag end of his career.

#1 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was India’s standout bowler in the ODI series against England. In a run-fest of an ODI series, Kumar’s skills clearly stood out. Despite him having an ordinary IPL, Kumar led the attack in the T20 World Cup. His returns were middling even then. He redeemed himself in the T20I series against New Zealand. Kumar would have expected to board the flight to South Africa but the selectors didn’t deem it right.