India vs Afghanistan Squad: 3 Surprising Selections That Raised Eyebrows

The Post-IPL Transition: India Gear Up for Afghanistan

As the curtains fall on another high-octane season of the Indian Premier League, the focus shifts back to national duties. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled the rosters for the upcoming multi-format series against Afghanistan. The schedule includes a prestigious one-off Test match followed by a three-match ODI series, serving as a crucial platform for the national side to test its bench strength and refine combinations.

Undeserving players who got a chance in India’s squad vs AFG [Source: AFP]

While the return of senior figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI setup brings stability, the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, has made several experimental calls. Some of these decisions, however, have been met with skepticism. Critics argue that a few players have been granted a ‘lifeline’ despite lacklustre numbers in the domestic and international circuits.

The Official Squad Breakdown

Before diving into the controversial picks, it is essential to look at the full squads as announced by the BCCI.

India Test Squad vs Afghanistan

• Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel

India ODI Squad vs Afghanistan

• Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey

1. Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Premature Test Recall?

Nitish Kumar Reddy was once the talk of the town after a majestic century against Australia during a ‘Down Under’ tour. That performance led many to believe that India had finally found a long-term solution to its seam-bowling all-rounder requirements in the longest format. However, the trajectory of his career since that milestone has been concerning.

Reddy’s output with both the bat and the ball has seen a significant dip. In recent red-ball outings, he has struggled to exert the same dominance that initially caught the selectors’ eyes. His stats reveal a reality that suggests he might not yet be ready to anchor the middle order or provide the necessary breakthroughs as a third or fourth seamer. Despite this slump, the selection committee has opted to persist with him for the Test match against Afghanistan, a move that many feel ignores more consistent performers in the Ranji Trophy.

2. Washington Sundar: The Enigma in ODIs

Washington Sundar is a player of undeniable talent, particularly in the T20 format and certain Test scenarios. However, his inclusion in the ODI squad for the Afghanistan series has raised questions regarding the management’s long-term vision. For several seasons, the Indian team management has consistently backed Sundar in the 50-over format, even promoting him to crucial batting positions such as number five.

Despite this backing, Sundar’s impact in ODIs remains minimal. His ability to finish games or provide middle-overs stability has been inconsistent, and his wicket-taking threat in the 50-over game has often been neutralized by attacking batters. With several other spin-bowling all-rounders knocking on the door, Sundar’s continued presence in the ODI squad feels more like a leap of faith than a selection based on merit.

3. Gurnoor Brar and the Auqib Nabi Snub

Perhaps the most debated selection is that of right-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar in the Test squad. While Brar has shown potential and possesses decent first-class numbers, his inclusion comes at the expense of a far more deserving candidate: Auqib Nabi.

Nabi was instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic run, helping the side clinch the Ranji Trophy title. He finished the season as the leading wicket-taker, showcasing an ability to bowl long spells and take wickets on unresponsive Indian tracks. By picking Brar over Nabi, the selectors have sent a confusing message to domestic performers. While Brar may have the physical attributes the selectors desire, the decision to overlook the most successful bowler of the premier domestic tournament is a tough pill to swallow for many cricket purists.

Looking Ahead

While the inclusion of these players may be controversial, the series against Afghanistan provides them with a golden opportunity to silence their critics. For the likes of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, this is a chance to prove that their slump is merely temporary. For Gurnoor Brar, it is an opportunity to show that he belongs at the highest level. However, the pressure will be immense, as the shadow of deserving players left behind continues to loom large over this selection cycle.