While the Test XI is almost settled, Team India does have scope for improvement in the limited-overs squads. The lack of ICC trophies has somewhat made the management go for the search of instant rewards. However, amidst this, a few players are not getting consistent opportunities. In this article, we take a look at five talented cricketers who deserve more chances in the Indian limited-overs playing XI.
1) Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson is one of the cricketers who deserve more chances in the Indian limited-overs playing XI. Yes, the Kerala player has not made full use of the opportunities that he has got, but the context of those performances should also be considered.
Sanju’s opportunities have been scattered, and whenever he did get one, the pressure was immense. While there was concern regarding his ability to remain consistent, Sanju has worked on it, as seen in the recent IPL seasons. India needs good players of spin, and Sanju is one of the best at the moment. Hence, he deserves more chances in the Indian Team.
2) Mayank Agarwal
In the last three years of IPL, Mayank Agarwal has scored more than 300 runs in every edition. His strike rate in all these three seasons has been above 140.
Apart from having a positive intent all the time, Mayank is also a superb player of spin. This is one attribute that Team India would need. However, he has not got many chances in the limited-overs squad. Since the opening slots are filled, it would not be a bad idea to try him in the middle-order.
3) Prithvi Shaw
It is shocking when you take into account that Prithvi Shaw has played just 12 games for India so far. The list includes 5 Tests, 6 ODIs and surprisingly only one T20I encounter. For a player who is regarded as a generational talent, this is far too minimal exposure.
Prithvi is already 22 years old and will need consistent chances in the blue jersey to realize his potential. In 2020’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, he made 827 runs in just eight games. After that, barring one tournament, Prithvi did not get his chances with India. A player with an attacking mindset, for the current template of an ideal limited-overs XI, Shaw is a must-have.
4) T Natarajan
One aspect that Team India is lacking in all formats is the absence of a left-arm seamer. In the current era of match-ups, a left-arm reliable option becomes important for the team.
T Natarajan offered that hope at the end of 2020. He also displayed a knack for collecting wickets. However, there has been no sign of him since then. Yes, he has had injury issues, but the management must ensure that they don’t forget him. At least for the T20 format, Nattu possesses the experience and must be backed with a few more opportunities.
5) Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj is also one of the cricketers who deserve more chances in the Indian limited-overs playing XI. Siraj has so far played only in 4 T20Is and 1 ODI. He has adapted his skills well to the white-ball, and it is time that he gets more chances.
Especially with the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar dropping form, India must have someone who can bowl both at the start of an innings and also at the death. Siraj is at his peak now and deserves more white-ball games. It will also be on him to prove his worth with consistency, which he has managed so far in Tests.
