The Politics that is killing the Indian Cricket

India has started its journey for the ICC World Test Championship with the first match of its test series against West Indies currently underway at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. India was able to put up a respective total of 297 after a difficult start. At one point, India was in a dire straits having lost 3 wickets at a score of 25 runs, including the wicket of team India skipper, Virat Kohli. However, with Rahane leading from the front, India was able to stage a comeback. Ishant Sharma’s heroics on Day 2 ensured that West Indies was reduced to 189 for 8.

However, what has surprised team India fans, is the exclusion of Rohit Sharma, one of the best batsmen across the world in today’s time. The internet was already riddled with rumours about a rift between the team India captain and Rohit Sharma after India’s world cup exit earlier this year. After Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the first test, such rumours have only intensified. Sharma who  emerged as a devastating opener in the One-day and T20 format has not been as successful in the longer format. However, this series is being seen as a big opportunity for him given that he seems to be in the form of his life. It was being speculated that he would be drafted into the team instead of Hanuman Vihari who plays in the middle-order.

Even former skipper Sourav Ganguly said, “My suggestion would be to let Rohit carry on his good form from the World Cup and settle in the opener’s slot while Rahane continues his good work of lending stability to the middle order.” Ashwin’s exclusion from the Test team has also come under heavy criticism. At a press conference, India’s Test vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane said, “It’s difficult when you miss a player like Ashwin but team management is always thinking as to what is the best combination. They thought Jadeja was a good option on this wicket as we needed a sixth batsman, who can actually bowl. Vihari can actually bowl on this track. So that was the communication between captain and coach.”

Earlier, the decision to drop Ajinkya Rahane from the ODI squad against West Indies had also come as a surprise. Ganguly had then taken to Twitter and said, “There are many in the squad who can play all formats ..surprised not to see shubman gill ..Rahane in the one day squad..” In another tweet, he said, “Time has come for indian selectors to pick same players in all formats of the game for rhythm and confidence.. too few are playing in all formats ..great teams had consistent players ..it’s not about making all happy but picking the best for the country and be consistent..@bcci.”

It is clear that the team selection leaves much to be desired. While the internet keeps on intensifying the rumours of a possible right between the team India captain Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, it is time that the team and selection committee ensures that the best combination goes on the field every time in order uphold fans’ expectations, who literally revere the game of cricket no less than a religion.