India’s wait for another T20 World Cup title continues. The team did improve upon their last year’s showing but did little to impress their fans. India lost yet another title in the World Cup semifinal. They came up well short against a power-packed England side.
India’s squad in hindsight did appear jaded. Their personnel certainly lacked the zeal needed for the ever-evolving T20 format. It does appear that few players from the squad won’t be featuring in this format from hereon.
We look at a few such players who may never play T20Is for India:
#1 Ravichandran Ashwin
He was included in India’s 2021 World Cup squad at the last moment. Ravichandran Ashwin though played only after India lost both their opening games. He continued to be part of India’s T20I plans despite not playing all the engagements.
Ashwin was expected to be a defensive option in unfavourable Australian conditions. But he couldn’t quite do the job with aplomb with his cameos down the order being a consolation. Ashwin in all probability has played his last T20I for India.
#2 Mohammad Shami
He was the last member who was added to India’s 2022 World Cup squad. Mohammad Shami replaced an injured Jasprit Bumrah. Shami didn’t have great T20I numbers but had a fine IPL season with Gujarat Titans. He was used as an enforcer in the middle overs.
Shami did strike in the game against Pakistan but largely flew under the radar. He didn’t do enough damage as a wicket-taker. Shami looked pedestrian in the game against England. He too it appears has played his last T20I.
#3 Dinesh Karthik
He trained rigorously for acing a specific role in India’s T20I setup. Dinesh Karthik was one of the best finishers in IPL 2022. He walked in post-14th and 15th over to take charge of finishing the innings. Karthik was picked ahead of Rishabh Pant right through the few first games. But Karthik did little of note to cement his spot.
In a sudden turn of events, the team roped in Rishabh Pant to replace Karthik in the playing XI. The game against Bangladesh in the World Cup is expected to be Karthik’s last T20I game in Indian colours.
#4 Rohit Sharma
He was expected to be the magic wand who would bring India the much-awaited ICC trophies. Rohit Sharma though flattered to deceive in his first ICC event as captain. Sharma was below par as both openers and as a captain. He failed to last beyond the powerplay in four of the six games.
It was his laborious 28-ball 27 that pegged India back in the semifinal. Sharma at 35 is not getting any younger. His fitness remains a huge cause of concern. He might not be in the best shape to lead India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. If he won’t be leading the side then it will only be fair for him to pave the way for a youngster to take up the spot.
