"You probably won't hear their names again," Aakash Chopra names players who may not feature for India again

BCCI selection panel has made some tough calls ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka.

A few changes in the Indian Test squad have been made ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka next month. Rohit Sharma has replaced Virat Kohli as Test captain after the latter had stepped down from the role last month.

A few regular features in the Test squad like Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha, and Ishant Sharma have been omitted from the side. They won't be taking part in the upcoming Test series at home.

While Rahane, Pujara, and Ishant are asked to play the Ranji Trophy tournament, BCCI selector Chetan Sharma made it clear to Saha that he won't be considered for the Test team in the future. It seems like Team India have moved on from the veteran wicketkeeper-batter and they have now included KS Bharat as a back-up option for Rishabh Pant.

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Former India batter Aakash Chopra has reacted to Saha and Ishant's removal from the squad. He believes the Indian fans "probably won't hear their names again". "Neither Wriddhiman Saha has found a mention, nor Ishant Sharma. You probably won't hear their names again. This is where the transition is headed. 

"This is the 'eventual' transition we've been talking about. When Rahul Dravid took over as the head coach and Rohit Sharma took over as captain, they didn't try to shake things up much and let it all be. Now, after four months, it's quite apparent in which direction will Team India go. They've made it totally clear that there isn't any place for some people," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

Chopra feels Rahane and Pujara can still make a comeback to the side after proving their worth in domestic cricket. "Rahane's just hit a century. And he's not 38 right. Nor is Pujara 38. It's not the end of the road. It's not written in stone that they can't play for India again. I'm actually hopeful Rahane and Pujara will find their way back. 

"The issue was they were playing only international cricket for the last two years and weren't even getting a chance to find their form back in first-class cricket. Now they have got that chance to make runs and once again knock at the door and break the door down," he said. 

"I won't say the same for Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma because Ishant Sharma played over 100 Tests so it was that kind of a phase. Saha is also 36-37 so that's it. So we might not see them playing for India again. But Pujara and Rahane - there's a strong chance they might just make it back."