3 promising young cricketers, despite strong domestic performances, missed out on a chance to debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their exclusion, despite showing potential in various formats, left fans and analysts questioning the selection criteria, marking the series as a missed opportunity for both the players and the team.
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1. Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan’s cricketing journey has been a mix of highs and disappointments. A teenage prodigy, he grabbed headlines in 2024 with a stunning century on his debut against New Zealand, showcasing his immense talent and readiness for the international stage. However, his omission from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad left fans and analysts puzzled. Despite his exceptional form and a technique seemingly tailored for Australia’s challenging conditions, Sarfaraz was sidelined, sparking debates about the selectors’ decision. His absence in this high-stakes series was viewed as a missed opportunity to test his abilities in one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.
2. Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran has consistently impressed in domestic cricket, amassing thousands of runs at an average that catches the eye of any selector. Despite his remarkable first-class record, he’s still waiting for his Test debut. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy offering a perfect opportunity, especially with India’s opening positions often uncertain, many believed Easwaran’s discipline, technique, and ability to tackle both pace and spin made him an ideal candidate. His exclusion from the squad raised questions about the selection process, as he seemed well-equipped to handle the challenges of a high-pressure series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
3. Tanush Kotian
Tanush Kotian’s inclusion in the Indian Test squad came under the shadow of Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement. As a young all-rounder with impressive domestic form, Kotian was considered a potential replacement for one of India’s greatest spinners. Despite joining the squad, Kotian didn’t make it to the playing XI. Speculation surrounding his debut remained just that. Although his performances with both bat and ball in first-class cricket had shown promise, the selectors opted for experience over untested talent. For Kotian, the missed opportunity to feature in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 was a pivotal moment that slipped away, but his journey is far from over.