The Indian squad for the ODI series vs Australia could most likely be announced over the weekend, and slowly it is becoming clear that some of the senior members of the side might miss out. While this will be a long-awaited comeback series for the Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Test skipper Shubman Gill might be given a rest, while Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant will be out due to injuries, as per reports.
Yashasvi Jaiswal & Abhishek Sharma Options
Now, that brings into the mix, a host of batters. There is a certain Abhishek Sharma, who is the best T20I batter in the world, was the Player of the Series in the Asia Cup, and could be soon promoted to the 50-over format. Then there is Yashasvi Jaiswal — the unlucky player who just misses out on opportunities in the white-ball formats; there is Sanju Samson, who averages 56 in the ODIs.
But then with two batting spots open — one should definitely go in the favour of a batter, who averages a massive 79 in LIST A cricket. And that sensational talent is — Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal. The man has some crazy stats in the domestic games and has been on the radar of Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for some time now.
But Devdutt Padikkal’s Credentials Far Superior
In 33 matches he has over 2000 runs, where he has scored 9 hundreds and 12 fifties. The strike-rate is also decent at 90. If we further break down his career — in his very first Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2019-20, he was the highest run-getter with 609 runs in 11 matches, at an average of 67.
Then the next year, in the same tournament, he came up with an unbelievable run, amassing 737 in 7 matches, at an average of 147. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 465 in 5 matches, at an average of 155. And in the last edition, it was 196 in three innings, at an average of 65. So, how do you really keep such a player out?
Averages 79 in List A
The best part, or the factor that goes in his favour is, he too is an opener in the white-ball formats. Yes, that means Yashasvi Jaiswal will either have to sit out, or not be selected again, but how do you keep a player out after such outstanding record in domestic cricket? After all, there should be some reward for these performances.
As far as the replacement for Rishabh Pant is concerned, Sanju Samson could most likely fill the void. Yes, his form has been a concern, but in all probability it could be him, since he keeps, and bats in the middle-order. That said, he might not be able to make the playing XI in ODIs vs Australia.
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