After Afghanistan, England Tests, Rohit Sharma fails to find a place in the India A squad

After he was overlooked for the first three Tests against England, it was hoped that dashing Indian batsman Rohit Sharma might be considered by the selectors for the India A squad which will play two unofficial Tests against South Africa A at home.

But Sharma’s fans were disappointed to see his name not featuring in the India A squad which was named by the selectors led by former India wicketkeeper MSK Prasad on Monday, July 23. The selectors, however, included spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the squad, giving the impression that the leg-break bowler could get a Test call should he does well in the unofficial games, Times Now News reported.

The continued snubbing of Sharma for the longest format gives a hint that the selectors might have decided to put Sharma’s case to rest. Sharma, who made a brilliant start to his Test career in 2013 by slamming two consecutive centuries in first two matches against the West Indies, played his last game against South Africa earlier this year. The team management’s decision to play him ahead of Ajinkya Rahane in the first two Test matches against the Proteas had sparked controversy but Sharma could not capitalise on the opportunity.

He was also overlooked for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Bengaluru last month and Karun Nair got preference over him. He was then overlooked for the England series as well. In 25 Tests, Sharma averages less than 40 but his average outside the sub-continent is even more ordinary (23.90) and that could be one reason for his axing since India will play a series of away Tests over the next several months.

The report said the only way that could help Sharma to return for the longest format is by performing well in the Ranji Trophy. Sharma was recently included in an off-season fitness camp held by Mumbai Cricket Association, along with Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur.

Shreyas Iyer will captain India A against South Africa A in the two games.

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