3 Surprising exclusions from India's Test squad for New Zealand series

India are all set to host New Zealand for a two-match Test series. The selection committee led by Chetan Sharma announced the 16-man squad for the series on Friday (November 12) morning. They decided to rest the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant while Virat Kohli will join the squad for the second Test.

However, a few Test specialists have been picked and the squad still looks potent to do well at home against the mighty Kiwis who have been a thorn in the flesh for India in the ICC events. After beating the Men in Blue in the 2019 WC semi-final, they defeated them in WTC Final and also in the T20 World Cup Super 12 stage.

As far as the squad is concerned, a few players would consider themselves unlucky to not see their names in the list. Here we bring you three such players who have been surprisingly excluded from the squad.

1. Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari has been one of the most underrated Indian players for quite a while now. He has quietly gone about his work. Moreover, he is more or less a Test specialist as well.

The middle order batter has played 12 Tests so far scoring 624 runs in 21 innings. His batting average and strike rate are 32.84 and 42.56 respectively. This includes 4 fifties and a hundred in the West Indies. He is also a sort of overses Test specialist having not played any home Test thus far.

Vihari was absolutely brilliant in his last Test match against Australia where he saved the game at the SCG along with Ravi Ashwin. Last but not the least, he can bowl part-time off-breaks as well. He will be disappointed to miss out, however, ESPNCricinfo reported that Vihari has been picked in India A squad South Africa tour where the team is set to play three four-day matches.

2. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur’s omission has arguably been the most surprising one. How does a match winner like him not make it to the squad? It is unfortunate when you take into account his recent form.

He was superb against England in India’s last away tour. Not only did he pick 7 wickets in the two Tests in which he played but he also scored two fifties at the Oval which propelled India to a brilliant victory. His performances in that match turned out to be the difference between both the sides.

Shardul Thakur is a player who has the ability to make things happen. Every team would love to have a game changer like him. Excluding a three-dimensional player like him is baffling to say the least. The selectors haven’t commented if he is rested or dropped and one will get to know about it only when the squad for South Africa tour is announced.

3. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran isn’t the most popular name among the Indian cricket fans. However, those who follow domestic cricket would definitely know him. He has been an absolute run machine in the domestic circuit.

The opening batter from Bengal was in India‘s Test squad during their tour to England. However, he has now been dropped without even getting a game.

The fact that he has been dropped without getting a chance to showcase his skills in the biggest platform is absurd. In an era where players are backed despite multiple failures, dropping someone without testing him isn’t really a trend followed by many. Easwaran will be gutted to not make it but will be keen to make a comeback again.