Almost every nation that will be featuring in the ICC World T20 has announced its squad for the tournament. It is safe to say that there is at least one player from every nation who feels that he was hard done by the selectors' decision.
So today, Cricwizz presents to you a list of XI players who missed out on a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
1) Shikhar Dhawan (India)
A player who has always been one of India's most successful batsmen in ICC tournaments, the exclusion of Dhawan would have come as a shocker to several cricket admirers.
While Chetan Sharma, India's Chief Selector revealed that the player was "kept in the loop" about the decision, surely, Dhawan wouldn't have come to terms with the fact that he was dropped. To add more to his argument, Dhawan was also IPL 2021's leading run-scorer and will continue from the top spot in the second phase as well. Is India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 strong enough?
Dhawan is back for the IPL 2021 second phase.
At least he deserves a spot in the missing XI, doesn't he?
2) Prithvi Shaw (India)
Another batsman, who is known to open the innings explosively, Prithvi Shaw could've been the prime contender to feature for India in the T20 World Cup but the emergence of KL Rahul and the way he has been playing in the IPL too has delayed Shaw's in India's T20 World Cup playing squad.
Better luck next time Prithvi!
3) Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
Du Plessis is surely one of the players who was struck hard after he was left out from the Proteas' World T20 squad. In February 2021, Du Plessis retired from Test cricket only to focus on his limited-overs cricket and as things stand, he is left out from the very first tournament that he would've wanted to feature in so badly.
Not to forget, Faf Du Plessis' form in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League has been remarkable and he concluded the IPL's first phase on a high note too. Sorry, Faf! Try again next time!
4) Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
A constant in Bangladesh's squad, Tamim Iqbal's last appearance for his nation in T20Is was in March 2020. However, Tamim's exclusion is due to the veteran pulling out by himself as he finds his way to recovery from a knee injury.
Iqbal did not feature in the recent series against Zimbabwe as well and he will be a huge miss for his nation in a tournament that is not only being in conditions they would fancy but also as the team has been so good even without him. With his experience at the top, Bangladesh could've caused some serious trouble to their opponents.
5) Ben Stokes (England)
England's superstar all-rounder, Ben Stokes is perhaps the biggest name to miss out on in the upcoming ICC Men's World T20. The reason is not his form or any disciplinary issue but the fact that Stokes has made him unavailable citing personal reasons. England's squad though still looks complete but with Stokes, things would've been better.
In specific, the reason is the fact that his mental strength is not in the best shape and the player has asked for some time for himself. The England Cricket Board accepts his decision and would be hoping that their star player makes a comeback very soon.
6) Sarfaraz Ahmed (Pakistan)
The former Pakistani skipper could not find a place in the squad and the reason for his axing from captaincy is yet to be stated. The 34-year old last played a match for the country back in 2020, following which he was removed from captaincy after Pakistan suffered a whitewash against Sri Lanka. He was later picked in the squad for England but as a second-choice WK-batsman but found himself warming the bench. Is the door closed for the Pakistani? Will Pakistan miss the experience of the veteran in the global tournament?
"Obviously it was tough to absorb the fact that I was the captain as well as a regular member and then suddenly, I am nowhere. You do get upset but I couldn't really dwell on it too much, because I was fortunate that I had domestic cricket there and then came PSL,"
-Sarfaraz Ahmed
7) Chris Morris (South Africa)
Another South African player who is renowned for his all-around capabilities, Morris was IPL's highest-paid player. Not seeing him playing in his national colors seems very strange, isn't it?
However, that's the reality. Chris Morris last featured for South Africa in T20Is in 2019 and his exclusion may prove that the all-rounder isn't in the pecking order to make a return.
8) Imran Tahir (South Africa)
The third South African but the only one who expressed his dejection, Imran Tahir was also not included in the squad despite having no intentions to retire from T20Is.
Currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League, Tahir articulated his thoughts in not the most subtle fashion and questioned Mark Boucher and the team management about the exact reason for his omission.
He said, "I am not feeling great that I am not in the squad. Last year Graeme Smith spoke to me and said I want you to play in the World Cup, which was in Australia. I said obviously I am available and excited and honored because you give me respect. I am ready."
"I am working hard and you can see my performances in all these leagues. He said that's why he wants me. He also said he was going to speak to a few other guys like AB (de Villiers) and Faf (du Plessis). They put me on the Proteas group and everything, but then nobody contacted me."
"After a few months I texted Smith and Boucher and nobody replied to me. Since Boucher has become coach, he has not contacted me once to tell me what his plans are. It's really sad man. I served the country for 10 years. I think I deserve a little more respect than these guys thinking I'm worthless."
Tahir then contacted Bavuma who is the current limited-overs captain of South Africa. He may have not made the squad but he surely has himself in our list! Don't worry, we got you covered Tahir!
9) Yuzvendra Chahal (India)
After Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion, it is now Chahal who has seen himself getting dropped from a major tournament after being a regular in India's ODI and T20I squads.
India's T20 squad now has Rahul Chahar, who can be considered as the direct replacement of Chahal as the reason is Chahar's recent form and his performance in the IPL that was held in UAE last year, the same country that will co-host the T20 World Cup this year with Oman. It is now time for Chahal to think outside of Tik-Tok! Will he prove his haters wrong and make a comeback soon?
Whoaaaaa…no Chahal. Major apologies. I took his name for granted. I’m so so sorry. https://t.co/l7w4rXyrfK
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 8, 2021
10) Jofra Archer (England)
Archer would've been a sure inclusion had he been fit. However, an elbow injury is the reason why the Englishman will be missing out on what could've been his first T20I World Cup.
11) Wahab Riaz (Pakistan)
Wahab Riaz's exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad wasn't a shocker as there were multiple instances of the veteran being dropped from the squad against England and West Indies.
“If Pakistan Play At Their Best, They Can Certainly Beat India”
– Wahab Riaz
Wahab took a dig at Misbah-ul-Haq and the Pakistan management saying that youngsters are chosen over veterans like him as the former are easier to convince. Any idea when Riaz will get his chance? Or is it time up for the veteran?
What do you think of this XI? Could this XI beat any top side in the World Cup this season? Let us know your thoughts via your social media accounts. Follow Cricwizz on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Stay tuned with Cricwizz for the best cricket content.
