Wasim Jaffer Expresses Discontent with Indian Team Selection for West Indies Tour
As the Indian cricket team gears up for their upcoming tour of the West Indies in July and August 2023, the selection of the squad has sparked a range of reactions. The team composition consists of a combination of experienced players and promising young talents.
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer took to Twitter to express his dissatisfaction with the selection policy and raised several pertinent observations. One point of contention he highlighted was the inclusion of four openers, namely Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaffer questioned the rationale behind this decision and suggested that instead of the surplus of openers, Sarfaraz Khan, who has consistently performed well in domestic cricket, could have been chosen as an additional middle-order batsman.
Jaffer also shed light on the omission of Abhimanyu Easwaran and Priyank Panchal, who have been toiling hard in Ranji Trophy matches and India A tours, seemingly knocking on the doors of Test cricket selection. He questioned whether their lack of participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) resulted in them being overlooked, emphasizing the adage of “out of sight, out of mind.” Jaffer further inquired about how Ruturaj Gaikwad managed to leapfrog ahead in the queue of contenders.
Expressing surprise, Jaffer commented on the decision to rest Mohammed Shami, particularly after a month-long break. He believed that Shami thrives on bowling and suggested that the more he bowls, the better and fitter he becomes, questioning the need for him to be sidelined.
The Indian Test squad for the West Indies tour, led by Rohit Sharma, includes notable names such as Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur. The team also features young talents like Ishan Kishan and Navdeep Saini, among others.
The selection choices have generated a mixed response from cricket enthusiasts, with some lauding the selection committee’s decisions while others expressing reservations. As the tour approaches, the focus will now shift to the performance of the chosen players on the West Indies soil.
Also Read: Indian Test Squad for West Indies Tour Announced: Rohit Sharma to Lead
