Indian cricket has always been packed with immense talent. Players work hard, showcasing their skills in domestic cricket and the IPL before earning a spot in the Indian team. However, staying in the national squad is often as challenging as getting in. Several players who seemed like the next big thing in cricket lost their place in the team just as quickly as they earned it. Let’s take a look at a few of these cricketers.
Prithvi Shaw: From Star to Sidelines
When Prithvi Shaw debuted for India, many believed he was destined for greatness. His early performances, including a century on his Test debut, drew comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. However, despite his immense talent, Shaw’s inconsistency and off-field issues led to his exclusion from the team. Although still young, he has been overlooked by selectors and will need to prove himself once again to earn a spot back in the squad.
Rahul Tripathi: IPL Sensation, International Struggle
Rahul Tripathi caught everyone’s eye with his consistent performances in the IPL, especially for Kolkata Knight Riders. His aggressive batting and sharp fielding made him a standout player. However, when given a chance to represent India in T20 Internationals, Tripathi struggled to find his form. Despite playing five T20s for India, he couldn’t secure a permanent place in the side. He now needs to put in exceptional performances in domestic and IPL cricket to make a comeback.
Devdutt Padikkal: A Promising Start, but a Tough Road Ahead
Devdutt Padikkal made a name for himself with his smooth left-handed batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. He had a brilliant debut season in 2020, which led to a T20 International call-up in 2021. However, Padikkal couldn’t make much of an impact, scoring just 38 runs in two matches. Though he still plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, his path back to the Indian team looks difficult. He will need to work on his consistency to stay in contention for national selection.
T Natarajan: The Yorker Specialist Facing Setbacks
T Natarajan became a sensation during India’s tour of Australia in 2020, where he debuted in all three formats of the game. Known for his accurate yorkers, Natarajan was quickly seen as a future star. However, frequent injuries and surgeries have kept him out of action since 2021. While his potential remains undoubted, his fitness issues have been a significant hurdle. A long rehabilitation and consistent performances in domestic cricket could help him get back into the Indian setup.
Prasidh Krishna: Fast Bowler Struggling with Injuries
Prasidh Krishna, who was seen as a like-for-like replacement for Ishant Sharma, had a promising start to his career. With his height and pace, he was considered a key player for India’s future. However, injuries have plagued his career, keeping him out of the team for extended periods. Krishna, who has represented India in all three formats, now faces an uphill battle to regain his place in the squad. His fitness will play a crucial role in his return to the national team.
These players showed immense promise but struggled to hold onto their spots in the highly competitive Indian cricket team. Whether due to inconsistency, injury, or other factors, their journey serves as a reminder of how tough it is to not only reach the top but also stay there.
