After dropping the second match by just 5 runs, India lost their three-game ODI series to Bangladesh. The decision to leave out Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill, despite their impressive recent form, has sparked widespread confusion among the fanbase and former players alike.
Team India lost the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, losing the second match by 5 runs. Every former Indian cricketer and fan has been confused thinking of the absence of Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson from the ODI squad against the Bangladesh series despite performing well for the past few months.
Saba Karim expressed his shock at seeing two of the most in-form batters missing from the squad. However, he found the selection of Rajat Patidar and Rahul Tripathi even more surprising, noting that Tripathi's skill set is geared toward T20s rather than ODIs.
According to Karim, it is vital for the new management and selectors to first identify and commit to a core roster. The former keeper doubts Tripathi will play in the third ODI, although he might get a chance in the final game as a replacement for the injured Deepak Chahar and captain Rohit Sharma.
The Indian side is currently missing several heavy hitters due to a rotation policy designed to manage player workload. This has seen the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Arshdeep Singh take a break, while the team also lacks the services of injured stalwarts Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Karim also suggested that the selectors should stop the habit of giving top players frequent breaks, arguing that players often struggle to find their rhythm upon returning. Now, India is focused on finishing the series with a win in Saturday's final match against the hosts.