5 Indian cricketers from 2015 World Cup who are no more in contention

Going into the 2015 World Cup, hopes on the Indian contingent were not very high, especially after their recent diabolic performances. The top order was shaky and the middle order was out of form, with a thousand questions loitering around, MS Dhoni led that side into the semifinals without losing once on the way.

However, Australia in the semifinal proved to be an impossible nut to crack. Steve Smith’s hundred sabotaged India’s hopes of defending the title and the hosts eventually won the final. Things have changed quite drastically as far as the squad structure and dynamics are concerned.

Some players who were a very important part of the squad, are no longer in the scheme of things for Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri. Their careers have taken a different turn in recent years and although they’ll give it their best shot in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, there’s a very good chance they’ll not make it.

Here are five prominent names from the previous Indian World Cup squad who surely will be missing out this time.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin

One of the finest spinners this country has produced, Ravichandran Ashwin’s downfall in the limited overs has been one of the major disappointments in the last few years. The off-spinner was proving to be too expensive on tracks where there was no turn and this in turn led to him getting sacked.

With Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja performing well in the ODIs, one can consider Ashwin’s chances of making it to the World Cup to be over. The 32-year-old picked up 150 wickets in 111 ODIs at an economy under five. Despite all the good work he did in the previous World Cup, where he picked up 13 wickets in 8 games, he will have to watch the tournament unfold from his home.

2. Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina had just about made it to the final 15 squad last time and it’s pretty certain that he will not make it. India’s woes with the number four position must’ve been his only hope of re-entering the squad, but with Ambati Rayudu stamping his authority in the Windies series, the doors seem closed for the classy southpaw.

The 31-year-old still has a lot of good years left in him but his recent Vijay Hazare Trophy performance was like the final nail in his ambitions’ coffin. He registered 284 runs last time at an average of 56.8, which includes a century against the Windies.

3. Axar Patel

Axar Patel was roped into the side as an all-rounder, but his approach with the bat was way too tentative. Although he was decent with the ball, it was difficult for the Indian captain to accommodate him in the squad. His selection in the previous World Cup squad dropped a few jaws, but he’s a country mile away from consideration this time.

Ravindra Jadeja is doing pretty good in that role and Krunal Pandya is the other name in contention. Considering his experience and recent performances, Jadeja is the favorite to go all the way to England. Axar is just 24 years old and still has a lot to offer to the Men in Blue, but for now, captain Kohli will not be looking at him.

4. Mohit Sharma

Ishant Sharma was dropped from the squad which was announced initially due to an injury and Mohit Sharma was added as a backup. The move worked out well for the Indian camp as the fast bowler from Faridabad picked up 13 wickets in 8 games at an impressive 4.98.

His form dipped quite drastically in the next few months and despite earning a big contract with Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, he was never up to the expectations. The 30-year-old has a big Ranji season coming up with Haryana and all he can hope for is to save his career in the long run.

5. Stuart Binny

Of all the names mentioned in this list, one player who certainly stands no chance of making it to the World Cup is Stuart Binny. His selection in the previous edition of the tournament was subjected to intense criticism and as it turned out, his career just fell apart.

The all-rounder had registered the best bowling figures against Bangladesh for any Indian cricket in ODIs (6/4) just a few months prior to the World Cup selection and that one performance did have its say. Not even a miracle would bring Binny back into the side at this point in time.

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