The story of some of the India’s most promising cricketers has been on the lines for being high on potential but lacking in chances to showcase the same. That, however should change hopefully with some of the senior cricketers showing more tear and wear than they would like. Listed below are few of the Indian cricketers who deserve a mention for their talent and ability with the claim to stake their place for the Indian cap, with Rahul Dravid having now retired and a few more places coming up to grab shortly.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma caught the eyes of cricket critics and former Australian cricketers on India’s last tour of Australia in 2008. However, the youngster is yet to make his debut in Test cricket, a format that he was considered ideal, given the plethora of technique and talent that he boasts.
However, little has changed between now and then as Rohit Sharma continues to be sparingly used even in the limited overs format, missing the tour of England despite doing tremendously well against West Indies.
While the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina have been persisted with, there is the perception that not enough of attention has been lent towards the Mumbai cricketer who has all the makings of a complete cricketer, perhaps even a number three batsman in the Test cricket. Sharma though has yet to see the Test cap.
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra, a promising opener, was shunned in favour of the flavor and dash of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. However, it would be hard to deny that Chopra had done much wrong other than having to make way for a new school of thought that looked at rambunctious openers rather than those technically sound.
Chopra stands out as one of those few Indian cricketers who impressed immensely but lived short under the limelight.
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has been perhaps one of the most talked about names in India’s domestic cricket circuit. However, if there is, also, a case to highlight on how some players have missed out on a longer stint in the national team, none could credit a stronger case than this opener from the West.
Rahane’s only serious opportunity came during the tour of England, when Virender Sehwag was ruled out of the first two of four Tests. The maturity shown by the opener should have certainly merited a longer run and a berth on the tour of Australia.
Chesteshwar Pujara
Another explosive batsman on the domestic scene, Chesteshwar Pujara comes highly recommended by coaches and former Indian cricketers who have seen the lad in action. Pujara did get the only maiden opportunity to represent India in Test cricket when he got the opportunity to play in the absence of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina in the final Test against Australia at home, an innings where he impressed all and sundry by his presence of mind at the crease. However, opportunities have been limited since the injury and lack of initiative shown by the selectors.
Manoj Tiwary
Bengal can currently only claim Dada aka Sourav Ganguly as their latest and lasting contribution to Indian cricket. That is because while Manoj Tiwary’s name has done the rounds, and even been chosen in India’s squad on the odd occasion such as on the recently concluded tour of Australia, that he was left to warm the benches while the selectors chose to drop him for the Asia Cup without reasons.
Yet to taste Test cricket, Tiwary is in danger of remaining as one of the few cricketers who have remained in the running without never really being allowed to cement a place in the Indian cricket team.
