Overlooked Gems: 5 Domestic Cricket Performers Snubbed for IND vs ENG Test Series

The much-anticipated Test series between India and England is set to commence on January 25th, featuring five matches. Rohit Sharma will lead Team India in this crucial series, considered significant for the World Test Championship points. However, despite consistent performances in domestic cricket, some players find themselves overlooked by the selectors. Let's delve into the profiles of five such players who have showcased commendable skills but missed out on the opportunity to represent India against England.

1. Saurabh Kumar: Known for his exceptional bowling skills, Saurabh Kumar has consistently impressed in domestic cricket, amassing 280 wickets in 65 first-class matches for Uttar Pradesh. Despite being part of the India-A team, Saurabh is yet to make his debut for Team India.
2. Washington Sundar: Washington Sundar has been a versatile asset for Team India, contributing both with bat and ball. With four Test matches under his belt and an impressive batting average of 66, Sundar has proven his worth. However, he remains excluded from the squad for the upcoming England series.
3. Abhimanyu Easwaran: Hailing from Bengal, Abhimanyu Easwaran has represented Team India on several occasions. With an average of 47 in 89 first-class matches, Easwaran's consistent performances have not translated into a chance to play for India in the current series.
4. Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz Khan has been consistently piling on runs in domestic cricket, making a strong case for his inclusion in the national team. Despite Shreyas Iyer facing challenges in the middle order, Sarfaraz Khan has not been given the opportunity to don the Indian jersey so far.
5. Rajat Patidar: Boasting an impressive domestic record, Rajat Patidar has accumulated 3845 runs at an average of 45 in 54 first-class matches. With 11 first-class centuries to his name, Patidar's exclusion from the India-England series raises eyebrows, considering his prolific run-scoring ability.

As Team India gears up for the crucial Test series against England, the selectors' decisions have left some talented performers from the domestic circuit disappointed. The likes of Saurabh Kumar, Washington Sundar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rajat Patidar may not be featuring in this series, but their consistent performances suggest that their time to shine on the international stage may not be far away.