If you want to create an instant controversy within the world of Indian Cricket, then make one announcement about a large number of players missing from your ODI squad. The ODI squad announced by India for their upcoming tour of New Zealand has created an immediate stir of debate as injuries to both Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill, along with planned rests for Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, caused a major shift in India’s ODI lineup.
However, the uncertainty began to emerge from other areas. As India prepared for a 3-match bilateral series Domestic Cricket was making an increasingly strong case than it had before. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the 50-over competition, which is as genuine as they come in India, there were many exceptional displays of batting and bowling that appeared to be tailor-made for the 50-over format. There were centuries scored, five-wicket or equivalent bowling spells, and match-winning all-round displays. Yet, despite this, several well-known players were missing from the squads. It is no longer if India has sufficient depth to choose from. Rather, it is now that India’s management trusts that depth?
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson, 31, is situated in one of the most difficult categories within Cricket: he has demonstrated his ability, but he continues to be “provisional”. The Vijay Hazare return: 101 (off 95) vs. Jharkhand, 3 sixes and 9 fours, did not scream for attention, but it reminded everyone that this was his fourth List A hundred. The problem is much worse for selectors as his ODI record just won’t break down: 510 Runs in 16 Matches, 56.66 Average, Century in Paarl (vs. South Africa), 2023.
And yet, Samson remains India’s most statistical inconvenience. KL Rahul is the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter; Rishabh Pant is retained as backup. Fair enough. But Samson’s exclusion isn’t about form or format suitability; it’s about hierarchy.
Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma’s omission stings because it contradicts India’s own messaging. The Hyderabad captain smashed 109 off 118 balls against Chandigarh, his sixth List-A hundred, dragging his side to their first Vijay Hazare win by 136 runs. This wasn’t slogging; it was structure. Time spent. Risk managed.
What complicates matters is that Tilak was already in the ODI ecosystem. He featured in the recent South Africa series and even made the XI in the third ODI, though India never needed his bat. Dropping a player immediately after that, despite domestic confirmation, creates a developmental contradiction. If exposure without opportunity becomes a selection dead-end, young batters learn the wrong lesson.
Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami
There may be few better ways to analyze Mohammad Shami’s performances, as he has treated Domestic Cricket as if it were his own personal Audit. Now, at the age of 35, he still treats domestic cricket like an audit. He took 11 wickets for 5.65 runs per over in five matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Now expand this to 16 wickets in 7 games in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and 20 wickets in four matches so far during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season.
India has opted for outright speed in the New Zealand ODIs, drafting in Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana, two fast bowlers who bring height, bounce, and serious pace, underlining the selectors’ intent to back raw quick-bowling firepower. However, neither possesses the experience of Shami in 50-over cricket that will allow them to perform when it matters most under pressure.
Key Takeaway
India’s depth isn’t the issue; decisive trust in form is.
FAQs
- What sparked the selection debate for the New Zealand ODIs?
The omission of in-form Vijay Hazare performers despite strong domestic numbers.
- Why is Sanju Samson’s exclusion controversial?
He averages 56.66 in ODIs and recently scored a domestic century, yet remains outside the setup.
- How does Mohammad Shami’s omission impact India?
It sidelines a proven ODI wicket-taker despite exceptional multi-format domestic form.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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