With the World T20 scheduled to be played in India later this year, IPL 2021 has set the platform for a few players to prove they have it in them to play for India again across formats.
These players have been sidelined or have lost favor with the selectors. But they would be looking to do well in IPL 2021 to keep selectors informed about their utility and what they could bring to the table, and be a part of the Indian squad again.
Cricwizz takes a look at these players who are eyeing an Indian comeback with IPL 2021.
Sanju Samson
Samson is a top talent, no doubt. But he failed to make the few Indian appearances in T20Is count, and that spoiled his chances of cementing a permanent place in the Indian squad in the shortest format. But not all is lost. He is still in the reckoning as possible backups for regular keeper Rishabh Pant. And he made a great start in this race after he scored a brilliant 119 in Rajasthan Royals' match against Kings XI Punjab.
However, he faces competition from Ishan Kishan who has had a great T20I debut recently. But with Samson firing with a brilliant ton in his first match as Royals captain, he has definitely keep selectors interested to include him in the probable squad for the World T20.
Prithvi Shaw
Shaw was dropped after twin failures in the first Test against Australia Down Under when India collapsed to 36 all out at Adelaide. But Shaw went back to the drawing boards, and worked on his batting, and came back with a lot of runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy that includes a double-ton.
He is now making all amends to get back into the reckoning for the national team. With the tour of England set to be India’s next assignment, Shaw would be hoping to continue his run-scoring spree in IPL 2021 to keep the selectors aware of his skills and talent and pick him in the England touring party.
With India going for a large squad to manage Covid-19 bubbles, Shaw is likely to be discussed as he continues with his run-scoring spree.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Indian specialist spinners – YS Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav – have lost the bite they have had when they bowled in tandem a few seasons ago, with legend MS Dhoni guiding them from behind the stumps.
Now, a spin all-rounder is favored ahead of them in the T20I format. And hence, the likes of spin bowling all-rounders - Krunal Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja - are preferred.
But one spot is still vacant for a specialist spinner’s role in the XI for the World T20 squad. And apart from Chahal and Kuldeep, a few names might be discussed for the World T20 squad. And hence, R Ashwin could be in the reckoning if he has a good IPL.
The loss of form of Chahal and Kuldeep has even made Rahul Chahar a possible contender. But Ashwin being a seasoned campaigner may be in the running for the spot if he has a great IPL.
Cover photo courtesy: BCCI