Cricketers Unfairly Treated by Indian Selectors

A cricketer's dream is to represent their country at the highest level. Every cricket player's ultimate ambition is to represent their country, especially in a country as passionate about the game as India, where young people aspire to play at the top level and don that India jersey&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
But it's not always that easy to achieve that dream as out of lakhs of cricketers, only a few of them manage to realize their dreams. One needs to first perform well in different age groups to get into domestic cricket. <o:p></o:p>
And then to impress the selectors, a player needs to play regularly and have a strong domestic record. There has been the boon of the Indian Premier League, which has fast-tracked some players into wearing the blue jersey. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
But still, there have been many unfortunate Indian cricketers who were never allowed to represent their country or given a long run with the India team. Excessive competition and failure to handle pressure on the big stage might be some reasons, but the biggest reason proved to be the luck factor.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Here is the list of 10 cricketers who were unfairly treated by the Indian selectors:<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">1. Anustup Majumdar &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1698933734094_Anustup-Majumdar.jpeg" alt="Anustup Majumdar " width="800" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Anustup Majumdar</figcaption>
</figure>
Bengal’s Anustup Majumdar served the national side for a long time. Having made his debut in 2004, Majumdar has played 81 FC matches and 87 List-A games for Bengal scoring 4831 and 2457 runs respectively. He also made 526 runs in 37 T20 matches. <o:p></o:p>
He made his presence felt in the IPL as well, featuring for Pune Warriors. From 2014-15 to 2015-16, Majumdar had to play for Railways because he had a job to keep. He still managed to churn out runs. But his lack of flair and absence of impact innings proved to be costly as he was never given a chance to represent India at the highest level.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">2. Faiz Fazal</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Faiz-Fazal-1.jpg" width="600" height="398" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
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Vidarbha legend Faiz Fazal is another domestic cricket giant who couldn’t break through into the Indian team despite loads of runs. A veteran of 135 FC matches, Fazal managed just one ODI in 2016 for India, in which he scored 55*. He even managed to play 12 IPL games for Rajasthan Royals in two seasons.<o:p></o:p>
In domestic, he made 9128 runs with 24 centuries and led Vidarbha to their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2019. Known for his stoic defence and technique, Fazal was unlucky never to get a Test call-up for the Indian team.
Also check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/most-hated-xi-in-international-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Most hated XI in international cricket</a>
 
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>3. Mithun Manhas<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mithun-Manhas.jpg" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false"></figcaption>
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Delhi stalwart Mithun Manhas had a long career from 1997-2017. He played 157 FC matches, scoring 9714 runs with 27 centuries. He also made 4126 runs in 130 List-A games with 5 tons to his name. Furthermore, he played 44 IPL games as well as Delhi Daredevils, Chennai Super Kings, and Pune Warriors.<o:p></o:p>
However, the biggest luck factor that Manhas never got was that he played in the wrong era. A middle-order batter, he could never break into the Indian side with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, and then Cheteshwar Pujara cementing their places. <o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">4. Jalaj Saxena<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1687061202076_Jalaj-Saxena.jpeg" alt="Jalaj Saxena" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Jalaj Saxena. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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One of the unluckiest players to not even get a consistent run in India A teams is Jalaj Saxena. The all-rounder has a very impressive record in domestic cricket with 6567 runs and 410 wickets in 133 FC matches. He also has 2035 runs and 117 wickets in 104 List-A games. <o:p></o:p>
He has won the Lala Amarnath award for best all-rounder thrice in 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2017-18. Became the only Indian to hit a 100 &amp; take an 8-wicket innings haul twice in the same match. Only player apart from Anil Kumble to take 16 wickets in a Ranji Trophy match. <o:p></o:p>
Despite all these achievements, Jalaj Saxena hasn’t been able to crack the India A team consistently with appearances in 2013, 2019, and so on.
Also check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/10-legendary-cricketers-who-deserved-a-farewell-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 Legendary cricketers who deserved a farewell match</a>

<h3 class="MsoNormal">5. Rajat Bhatia</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1682581077050_Rajat-Bhatia.jpeg" alt="Rajat Bhatia" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Rajat Bhatia. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Another Delhi cricket legend, Rajat Bhatia can be counted as the one who got away. Had selectors given attention to him, he could’ve replaced Robin Singh in the Indian team in limited-overs cricket. he was a very good batter, enough to make 17 centuries in 117 FC matches and score 3000 plus runs in 119 List-A matches.<o:p></o:p>
With the ball, he bowled a nagging line and length something he displayed for years in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. He played in IPL from 2008-2017. The closest he got was a selection in an emerging players' tour of Israel in 2008, but an India call-up remained elusive.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">6. Dhawal Kulkarni<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1677666878978_Dhawal-Kulkarni.jpeg" alt="Dhawal Kulkarni" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Dhawal Kulkarni. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Many might say that Dhawal Kulkarni has played for India, but he could’ve played more than the 12 ODIs and 2 T20Is he appeared in. A bowler in the mould of Stuart Clark, Kulkarni has 274 FC wickets, 223 List-A wickets, and 154 T20 wickets.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Kulkarni last appeared for India in the ODI series against New Zealand in 2016 and has failed to break back into the squad ever since. A very good bowler, Kulkarni’s lack of pace might have worked against him during his time, as the rise of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami hampered his chances of a comeback.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">7. Rajinder Goel<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699010824021_Rajinder-Goel.jpeg" alt="Rajinder-Goel" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Rajinder-Goel. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Perhaps the unluckiest bowler ever to play for India was the late Rajinder Goel. He played for Haryana from 1958-1984 and in 157 FC matches, took 750 wickets with a best of 8/55. Unfortunately for him, his entire career collided with that of Bishan Singh Bedi. Due to the presence of Bedi and the remainder of the spin quartet, Goel couldn’t break into the Indian team.<o:p></o:p>
The closest he got to the Indian team was when West Indies toured India in 1974- 75, Bedi was dropped before the first Test at Bangalore on disciplinary grounds. He was picked in the squad alongside Chandrasekhar, Prasanna, and Venkataraghavan. But he couldn’t break into the playing XI.
Also check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/unsung-heroes-in-odi-world-cup-victories-2806/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unsung heroes in ODI World Cup victories</a> 
 
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>8. Priyank Panchal<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Priyank-Panchal.jpg" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
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Gujarat cricketer Priyank Panchal has been a regular feature in India A side for some years now. But the India Test cap has eluded him still. The 33-year-old opener has 8035 runs in 113 FC matches with 26 centuries and a triple ton to boot.<o:p></o:p>
He has gotten called up to the Indian squad a couple of times, including on the tour of South Africa but did not play a single match. But with the presence of Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and other younger openers in Indian consideration, Panchal may have missed the boat. 
<h3>9. Sandeep Sharma</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1685776649998_Sandeep-Sharma.jpeg" alt="Sandeep Sharma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Punjab-based seamer Sandeep Sharma has played two T20Is for India in 2015 and took one wicket. Sandeep represented India in the U19 World Cup 2010 in New Zealand and the U19 World Cup 2012 in Australia. He has also played in the Indian Premier League regularly with 114 wickets in 104 matches. <o:p></o:p>
However, his lack of pace goes against him despite Sandeep’s ability to swing the ball both ways. Once the ball stops swinging, Sandeep is a sitting duck for batters. Though he has devised a devilish yorker, the lack of a pacer has been a huge hurdle for the 30-year-old to break into the Indian team. And with the current pace options that are knocking on the doors who bowl over 140 kph and more, Sandeep might find himself out of consideration. 
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>10. Amol Muzumdar<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699010746083_Amol-Muzumdar.jpeg" alt="Amol-Muzumdar" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption data-gramm="false">Amol-Muzumdar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
A huge batting legend of Mumbai cricket, Amol Muzumdar made his FC debut in 1993 and till 2013, played 171 matches, scoring 11167 runs with 30 centuries to his name. He also made 3286 runs in 113 List-A games. However, he was never given a chance to play for India as his career collided with that of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and others in the Indian middle order.<o:p></o:p>
When Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar scored the 664-run partnership in their school days, Amol Muzumdar was slotted in the next position. That perhaps remained the story of his career, always very near to the Indian call-up, but never got one. He even admitted the closest he came to an Indian call-up was in 1994. <o:p></o:p>
Also check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/10-biggest-controversies-in-indian-cricket-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 biggest controversies in Indian cricket history</a>

A cricketer's dream is to represent their country at the highest level. Every cricket player's ultimate ambition is to represent their country, especially in a country as passionate about the game as India, where young people aspire to play at the top level and don that India jersey&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
But it's not always that easy to achieve that dream as out of lakhs of cricketers, only a few of them manage to realize their dreams. One needs to first perform well in different age groups to get into domestic cricket. <o:p></o:p>
And then to impress the selectors, a player needs to play regularly and have a strong domestic record. There has been the boon of the Indian Premier League, which has fast-tracked some players into wearing the blue jersey. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
But still, there have been many unfortunate Indian cricketers who were never allowed to represent their country or given a long run with the India team. Excessive competition and failure to handle pressure on the big stage might be some reasons, but the biggest reason proved to be the luck factor.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Here is the list of 10 cricketers who were unfairly treated by the Indian selectors:<o:p></o:p></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">1. Anustup Majumdar &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1698933734094_Anustup-Majumdar.jpeg" alt="Anustup Majumdar " loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Anustup Majumdar</figcaption>
</figure>
Bengal’s Anustup Majumdar served the national side for a long time. Having made his debut in 2004, Majumdar has played 81 FC matches and 87 List-A games for Bengal scoring 4831 and 2457 runs respectively. He also made 526 runs in 37 T20 matches. <o:p></o:p>
He made his presence felt in the IPL as well, featuring for Pune Warriors. From 2014-15 to 2015-16, Majumdar had to play for Railways because he had a job to keep. He still managed to churn out runs. But his lack of flair and absence of impact innings proved to be costly as he was never given a chance to represent India at the highest level.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">2. Faiz Fazal</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Faiz-Fazal-1.jpg" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true"></figcaption>
</figure>
Vidarbha legend Faiz Fazal is another domestic cricket giant who couldn’t break through into the Indian team despite loads of runs. A veteran of 135 FC matches, Fazal managed just one ODI in 2016 for India, in which he scored 55*. He even managed to play 12 IPL games for Rajasthan Royals in two seasons.<o:p></o:p>
In domestic, he made 9128 runs with 24 centuries and led Vidarbha to their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2019. Known for his stoic defence and technique, Fazal was unlucky never to get a Test call-up for the Indian team.
Also check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/most-hated-xi-in-international-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Most hated XI in international cricket</a>
 
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>3. Mithun Manhas<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mithun-Manhas.jpg" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true"></figcaption>
</figure>
Delhi stalwart Mithun Manhas had a long career from 1997-2017. He played 157 FC matches, scoring 9714 runs with 27 centuries. He also made 4126 runs in 130 List-A games with 5 tons to his name. Furthermore, he played 44 IPL games as well as Delhi Daredevils, Chennai Super Kings, and Pune Warriors.<o:p></o:p>
However, the biggest luck factor that Manhas never got was that he played in the wrong era. A middle-order batter, he could never break into the Indian side with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, and then Cheteshwar Pujara cementing their places. <o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">4. Jalaj Saxena<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1687061202076_Jalaj-Saxena.jpeg" alt="Jalaj Saxena" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Jalaj Saxena. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
One of the unluckiest players to not even get a consistent run in India A teams is Jalaj Saxena. The all-rounder has a very impressive record in domestic cricket with 6567 runs and 410 wickets in 133 FC matches. He also has 2035 runs and 117 wickets in 104 List-A games. <o:p></o:p>
He has won the Lala Amarnath award for best all-rounder thrice in 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2017-18. Became the only Indian to hit a 100 &amp; take an 8-wicket innings haul twice in the same match. Only player apart from Anil Kumble to take 16 wickets in a Ranji Trophy match. <o:p></o:p>
Despite all these achievements, Jalaj Saxena hasn’t been able to crack the India A team consistently with appearances in 2013, 2019, and so on.
Also check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/10-legendary-cricketers-who-deserved-a-farewell-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 Legendary cricketers who deserved a farewell match</a>

<h3 class="MsoNormal">5. Rajat Bhatia</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1682581077050_Rajat-Bhatia.jpeg" alt="Rajat Bhatia" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Rajat Bhatia. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Another Delhi cricket legend, Rajat Bhatia can be counted as the one who got away. Had selectors given attention to him, he could’ve replaced Robin Singh in the Indian team in limited-overs cricket. he was a very good batter, enough to make 17 centuries in 117 FC matches and score 3000 plus runs in 119 List-A matches.<o:p></o:p>
With the ball, he bowled a nagging line and length something he displayed for years in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. He played in IPL from 2008-2017. The closest he got was a selection in an emerging players' tour of Israel in 2008, but an India call-up remained elusive.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">6. Dhawal Kulkarni<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1677666878978_Dhawal-Kulkarni.jpeg" alt="Dhawal Kulkarni" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Dhawal Kulkarni. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Many might say that Dhawal Kulkarni has played for India, but he could’ve played more than the 12 ODIs and 2 T20Is he appeared in. A bowler in the mould of Stuart Clark, Kulkarni has 274 FC wickets, 223 List-A wickets, and 154 T20 wickets.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Kulkarni last appeared for India in the ODI series against New Zealand in 2016 and has failed to break back into the squad ever since. A very good bowler, Kulkarni’s lack of pace might have worked against him during his time, as the rise of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami hampered his chances of a comeback.<o:p></o:p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">7. Rajinder Goel<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699010824021_Rajinder-Goel.jpeg" alt="Rajinder-Goel" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Rajinder-Goel. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Perhaps the unluckiest bowler ever to play for India was the late Rajinder Goel. He played for Haryana from 1958-1984 and in 157 FC matches, took 750 wickets with a best of 8/55. Unfortunately for him, his entire career collided with that of Bishan Singh Bedi. Due to the presence of Bedi and the remainder of the spin quartet, Goel couldn’t break into the Indian team.<o:p></o:p>
The closest he got to the Indian team was when West Indies toured India in 1974- 75, Bedi was dropped before the first Test at Bangalore on disciplinary grounds. He was picked in the squad alongside Chandrasekhar, Prasanna, and Venkataraghavan. But he couldn’t break into the playing XI.
Also check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/unsung-heroes-in-odi-world-cup-victories-2806/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unsung heroes in ODI World Cup victories</a> 
 
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>8. Priyank Panchal<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Priyank-Panchal.jpg" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true"></figcaption>
</figure>
Gujarat cricketer Priyank Panchal has been a regular feature in India A side for some years now. But the India Test cap has eluded him still. The 33-year-old opener has 8035 runs in 113 FC matches with 26 centuries and a triple ton to boot.<o:p></o:p>
He has gotten called up to the Indian squad a couple of times, including on the tour of South Africa but did not play a single match. But with the presence of Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and other younger openers in Indian consideration, Panchal may have missed the boat. 
<h3>9. Sandeep Sharma</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1685776649998_Sandeep-Sharma.jpeg" alt="Sandeep Sharma" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Punjab-based seamer Sandeep Sharma has played two T20Is for India in 2015 and took one wicket. Sandeep represented India in the U19 World Cup 2010 in New Zealand and the U19 World Cup 2012 in Australia. He has also played in the Indian Premier League regularly with 114 wickets in 104 matches. <o:p></o:p>
However, his lack of pace goes against him despite Sandeep’s ability to swing the ball both ways. Once the ball stops swinging, Sandeep is a sitting duck for batters. Though he has devised a devilish yorker, the lack of a pacer has been a huge hurdle for the 30-year-old to break into the Indian team. And with the current pace options that are knocking on the doors who bowl over 140 kph and more, Sandeep might find himself out of consideration. 
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>10. Amol Muzumdar<o:p></o:p></h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1699010746083_Amol-Muzumdar.jpeg" alt="Amol-Muzumdar" loading="lazy">
<figcaption data-gramm="false" wt-ignore-input="true">Amol-Muzumdar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
A huge batting legend of Mumbai cricket, Amol Muzumdar made his FC debut in 1993 and till 2013, played 171 matches, scoring 11167 runs with 30 centuries to his name. He also made 3286 runs in 113 List-A games. However, he was never given a chance to play for India as his career collided with that of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and others in the Indian middle order.<o:p></o:p>
When Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar scored the 664-run partnership in their school days, Amol Muzumdar was slotted in the next position. That perhaps remained the story of his career, always very near to the Indian call-up, but never got one. He even admitted the closest he came to an Indian call-up was in 1994. <o:p></o:p>
Also check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/10-biggest-controversies-in-indian-cricket-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 biggest controversies in Indian cricket history</a>

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