The selection committee allegedly considered head coach Gautam Gambhir’s “data-driven approach” while rejecting both Ravindra Jadeja and Suryakumar Yadav for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Suryakumar Yadav has mixed emotions upon hearing the news of the Team India lineup for their white-ball tour to Sri Lanka. The attacking batsman would have been overjoyed to be named the team’s captain in Twenty20 Internationals, but the selectors and new head coach Gautam Gambhir made it clear that they didn’t want him in the ODI squad. Despite being included in the Indian ODI World Cup squad for 2023, Suryakumar did not live up to the confidence that the selectors placed in him. As a result, the 360-degree batsman was passed over for a position in the Indian squad for the island nation’s ODIs.
Suryakumar may be regarded as the best T20 batter in the world, but his 50-over performance is not as impressive. The Mumbai hitter has an average of 25.76 in 37 ODI matches. Many have questioned his ability to play the patient game and gradually increase the rate of scoring runs.
With only six ODIs remaining till the ICC Champions Trophy next year, the selectors want to give other players an opportunity. According to the Indian Express, Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Reddy is being considered, particularly because of the three-dimensional skill set he brings to the table.
Hardik Pandya remains India’s finest seam-bowling all-rounder in white-ball cricket, but he will not play in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, he could return in future tasks.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, like India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma, is noted for developing a strategy when making selection decisions. In this regard, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have emerged as promising white-ball cricket prospects. Consequently, Ravindra Jadeja was not selected.
Riyan Parag, on the other hand, may get a chance in the Sri Lanka series. Parag is more than simply a useful batter down the order; he can also contribute with a few overs. Parag’s continuous performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy demonstrate his abilities as an all-rounder, and he has emerged as one of the most consistent players in recent seasons.With Axar and Sundar, two more seasoned players, also on the team, the Assam star may not be the team’s first choice.
