In the world of cricket, the transition from a promising debut to a sustained career at the international level is fraught with challenges.
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, several players have had the privilege of donning the Indian jersey for the first time but have since struggled to cement their place in the team.
Here, we delve into the stories of five such players who, despite showing initial promise, have not been able to maintain their momentum.
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer burst onto the international scene with a T20I debut in November 2021 against New Zealand.
His all-round capabilities, showcased in domestic circuits and the IPL, made him an exciting prospect.
However, after a few matches, Iyer’s international career hit a pause; he last played for India in February 2022.
Despite his flair in domestic cricket, the competition for spots in the Indian team is fierce, especially with the likes of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja offering similar skill sets.
Iyer’s journey serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in cricket, where consistency and adaptability are key.
Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya’s journey in international cricket began in 2018, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, with whom he had already shared the dressing room at Mumbai Indians.
Known for his left-arm spin and hard-hitting batting in the IPL, Krunal was expected to be a valuable asset in the shorter formats of the game.
His last international appearance came in 2021. The presence of more established players like Axar Patel and the emergence of new talents have somewhat dimmed Krunal’s prospects.
His case highlights the importance of not just making a mark but also evolving with the team’s needs and strategies.
Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar made his international debut in March 2018, again under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, during a T20I against Sri Lanka.
Shankar was seen as a versatile all-rounder who could bolster the middle order and provide handy overs with his medium pace.
However, despite a notable performance in the 2019 World Cup, his international career has been on a downward trajectory since his last game in 2019.
Injuries and the rapid evolution of the game, with players offering more explosive batting or tighter bowling, have contributed to his fading from the national side.
Shankar’s story is a testament to how crucial it is to stay fit and relevant in the fast-paced world of cricket.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, a dynamic wicket-keeper batsman, made his Test debut in July 2023 under Rohit Sharma.
His explosive batting style had already made waves in the IPL and domestic cricket, leading to high expectations.
However, since his debut, Kishan has not featured in Test cricket again.
The competition for the wicket-keeper’s slot in the Indian team, with the likes of Rishabh Pant and K.L. Rahul, has been intense.
Ishan Kishan’s scenario underscores the challenge of securing a permanent spot in a team where multiple players are vying for similar roles, especially in a format like Test cricket, which demands consistency and temperament.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, often referred to as ‘SKY’, made his Test debut in February 2023. Known for his innovative shots and consistency in T20 cricket, his transition to Test cricket was eagerly anticipated.
Yet, post his debut, Yadav has not played any Test matches.
His absence from the longest format could be attributed to the depth of talent in India’s batting lineup and perhaps a strategic choice to utilize him more effectively in the white-ball formats where he has been exceptional.
Yadav’s journey in Test cricket is a narrative of potential not yet fully explored in one format due to the saturation of talent and strategic team selections.
The careers of these five cricketers under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy illustrate several facets of modern cricket: the cut-throat competition, the need for adaptability, and the relentless pace at which the game evolves.
Each player brought something unique to the table, yet the journey from debut to mainstay is never guaranteed.
While some have found niches in other formats or returned to domestic cricket to refine their skills, their initial steps into international cricket under Rohit Sharma’s leadership remain significant moments in their careers.
For fans and analysts alike, these stories are a blend of what could have been and what still might be, in the unpredictable saga of cricket.
