Jadeja Axed, Riyan Parag In! Top 6 Takeaways From Gautam Gambhir's Team India Squad For SL Tour

On Thursday, BCCI announced the Team India squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka. The announcement pulled major attention as it was going to Gautam Gambhir's first decision shot as the head coach. The draft left the cricket world stunned as few of the major names who were expected to make it to the cut have not been given a place, whereas some unlikely contenders have found their way in.

As a slew of talking points emerged following the release of the Team India squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, let's contemplate them by summing them under six heads. There, here are the top six takeaways from Gautam Gambhir's first call as head coach of Team India.

However, before that, let's take a look at the Team India squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series

India’s T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Tour:  Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

India’s ODI Squad for Sri Lanka Tour: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

Riyan Parag Preferred Over Sanju Samson

Gautam Gambhir has seemingly taken a leap of faith in Riyan Parag, including him in the ODI squad over the usual inclusion of Sanju Samson. The Kerala cricketer has had an endless pursuit towards cementing his place in the team, hence getting dropped again comes as a huge setback. Moreover, what comes as a surprise is that Riyan Parag, who is yet to make his ODI debut, has been given an opportunity. So, is it the end of the road for Sanju Samson?

Also Read | IND vs SL: Gautam Gambhir era begins with 'Surya Uday' in T20Is

Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking century ignored

Abhishek Sharma, who displayed in the India vs Zimbabwe series that he will bat with intent, didn't get the consideration despite scoring a century in just 47 balls. Sharma has had some flop shows in the series as well but that's just the way he bats. Sharma not making it into the squad reignites the old debate, what's more important in T20s? Is it playing without fear or taking time and setting up for a late flourish?

Harshit Rana gets a chance to showcase mettle

Harshit Rana, who emerged as one of the standout performers for Gautam Gambhir at KKR in IPL 2024, has received a call-up in the ODI squad. Since the pacer proved to be impactful in the Kolkata Knight Riders' title win, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches. Thus, his inclusion comes out of merit. Yet, it draws debates among fans regarding whether Rana has been given an early rope. As the same condition did not apply to many other youngsters.

Ruturaj Gaikwad snubbed from both formats

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been performed in whatever chances he has garnered and led India to the Gold Medal glory in the Asian Games 2022 (held in 2023), couldn't find a place either in ODIs or in T20s. Gaikwad has been touted as an all-format player but at this moment he is nowhere to be found in any roster.

Also Read | ICC Suffers Loss Of Whopping 167 Crore during T20 World Cup 2024 in USA

Shubman Gill given promotion ahead of Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, who was seemingly in the fray to become India's next T20 captain, and is touted as irreplaceable in the team, surprisingly did not get the baton to lead India in the shortest format of the game. He lost the position to Suryakumar Yadav. Moreover, he has been stripped of the Vice Captaincy as well. On the other hand, it is Shubman Gill, who was in the reserves during the T20 World Cup and was lately lacked breeze in his batting has been promoted to become Team India's new vice-captain. The decision has sparked outrage on social media, dividing netizens into two heads. What do you think, is it, as termed by many fans, a despicable or a brave call taken to secure future headaches?

Is Ravindra Jadeja dropped or rested

Ravindra Jadeja, who faced severe flak during the T20 World Cup 2024, for not living up to the expectations both with bat and ball, isn't a part of the ODI squad, propelling fans to assert that he has been dropped from the team. It should be noted that Jadeja announced his retirement from T20 format following the culmination of the T20 World Cup 2024. BCCI did not make its stance clear on the state of Ravindra Jadeja. Hence, clarity on the aspect is yet to appear.