Former Indian skipper Dilip Vengsarkar on Saturday (19th February) questioned the exclusion of ‘two prolific run-getters in domestic circuit’ Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan from Team India’s squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka.
Team India is all set to lock horns against Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series, starting 4th March. BCCI on Saturday (19th February) announced an 18-member squad for the two games and also named Rohit Sharma as permanent Test captain of India.
The squad had many changes as senior players in Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Wrddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma were axed while Ravindra Jadeja and Shubman Gill were back in the mix after injuries.
Priyank Panchal and KS Bharat along with Sourabh Kumar, who earned his maiden call-up, were also named in the 18-member squad.
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While the squad selection was praised by many, a few also questioned the non-selection of consistent Ranji Trophy performers, especially Sarfaraz Khan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The duo over the years has scored truckloads of runs in the domestic circuit.
While Gaikwad has 1349 runs to his name in 21 FC matches, Sarfaraz continued his red hot form from last Ranji Trophy season, where he scored 975 runs at an average of 154.67, to the ongoing tournament, as he smashed 275 runs against Saurashtra in Ahmedabad.
Speaking to TOI Dilip Vengsarkar lashed out at BCCI’s section committee, saying that there isn’t the application of mind used by the selectors when they name the team. He expressed his disappointment over the non-selection of two prolific scorers in the domestic circuit, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sarfaraz Khan.
He added that both the batters deserve a place on the Indian Test side and by not selecting them selectors are damaging their morale.
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“It seems there isn’t application of mind (by the selectors) when the team is selected. How can one explain the omission of Ruturaj and Sarfaraz, who are two of the most prolific scorers in domestic circuit. Looking at the team, a couple of players, though talented, haven’t done much to merit their place in the squad.
“Let every player earn his place in the team and not take it for granted. Ruturaj and Sarfaraz deserve a place. The selectors are damaging their morale by not selecting them for India,” Dilip Vengsarkar said.
Notably, ahead of the Test series, India and Sri Lanka will also play each other in the three-match T20I series to be played from 24th to 27th March. BCCI also named the 18-member squad for the three games on Saturday.
(TOI inputs)
