India’s big cricket talent pool and jockeying for spots in the squad

India’s Asia Cup squad selection showed how intense the competition is, especially for T20Is owing to IPL impact

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

Before Shreyas Iyer’s non-selection in India’s T20 Asia Cup squad, Kuldeep Yadav not finding a place in the Test playing eleven in the England series was the topic of much debate in Indian cricket. Such is the amount of talent that is being churned out in the country season after season that the level of competition for spots in the Indian sides has reached unprecedented levels.

The demands on cricketers trying to establish themselves in the national side is huge. Itis not just about breaking the door down at the domestic level to win selection. Staying there is a massive challenge.

There are many names that have missed out on the Asia Cup squad despite being as good as those who have been included. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Prasidh Krishna and KL Rahul can walk into any international T20 side. The point isall of them had got their chancesin the India team but are yet to establish themselves.

One great example for an Indian cricketer is Sunil Gavas-kar. He has often emphasised in TV commentary that the onus is on a player to make himself undroppable. The Indian batting legend had gone out and done exactly that by scoring 774 runs in his debut Test series. Once he made the break, he ensured he stayed there, maintaining consistency, and finishing his 125-Test career across 15 years with a brilliant 96.

If that is the kind of commitment international sport demanded during his time, the IPL-fuelled explosion of talent now makes it many times harder.