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In a recent revelation, former India cricketer Ashish Nehra expressed his opinion on three different squads picked by the Indian selectors for the upcoming multi-format tour of South Africa, suggesting a player he believes should have made the cut. Nehra, a seasoned cricket analyst, highlighted his thoughts on the squad composition during a pre-match show on JioCinema for the ongoing India vs Australia T20I series.
Not many surprises in India squads
The BCCI on Thursday announced the squads for the T20I, ODI and Test tour of South Africa starting later this month. There weren’t any major changes with familiar names selected barring top-order batter Sai Sudharsan who received his maiden India call-up. The 22-year-old has been rewarded for his sublime performance in domestic cricket as well as the IPL.
‘He should have been picked for the South Africa’: Ashish Nehra
Nehra, known for his candid assessments, identified a specific player whom he deemed deserving of a spot in the touring team. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the conditions in South Africa, Nehra stressed the importance of an experienced seamer, especially considering the pace-friendly pitches that characterize the cricketing landscape in the Rainbow Nation.
Also READ: “Well played BCCI”: Fans question Sanju Samson’s ODI inclusion for South Africa tour amidst T20 World Cup 2024 anticipation
The former fast bowler did not shy away from naming Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the player he felt was overlooked by the selectors.
“You always need an experienced bowler like Bhuvneshwar Kumar when you tour South Africa. You need that skillset and match winning spirit,” said Nehra.
The Delhi-lad added: “Bhuvneshwar Kumar is bowling extremely well [these day]. He picked up wickets in the recent T20 leagues as well. Selectors should keep Bhuvneshwar Kumar in scheme of things since T20 World Cup 2024 is still far.
“The performance in next year’s IPL would definitely play a big role in selecting Team India’s final squad for the World Cup.”
Bhuvneshwar last represented the Men in Blue in November 2022 and is currently representing Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy where he has taken eight wickets in three matches so far.
Also READ: ‘Lollypop de diya…’: Harbhajan Singh highlights irony behind BCCI picking Yuzvendra Chahal for ODIs in South Africa but not for T20Is
Meanwhile, Nehra’s insights provided a fresh perspective on the selection dynamics, and his comments are likely to fuel discussions among cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike.
The South Africa tour holds immense significance for Team India as they gear up to face a formidable opponent in their overseas campaign. With Nehra’s remarks adding a layer of intrigue to the selection process, all eyes are now on how the chosen squad performs and whether the selectors’ decisions align with the outcomes on the field.
