5 players debuted under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy but struggled to maintain their place in the team. Despite early promise, factors like fierce competition, evolving team strategies, and injury setbacks led to their fading away from international cricket, highlighting the challenges of securing a long-term spot in the squad.
1. Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer made an impressive T20I debut in November 2021 against New Zealand, quickly gaining attention for his all-round abilities, honed in domestic cricket and the IPL.
Despite the early promise, Iyer’s international career stalled, with his last appearance for India coming in February 2022.
While his domestic performances remained strong, the competition for places in India’s lineup—especially with players like Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja—proved tough. Iyer’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket, where consistency and adaptability remain essential for long-term success.
2. Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya’s international cricket journey began in 2018, under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, with whom he shared the Mumbai Indians dressing room.
A left-arm spinner and a power-hitter in the IPL, Krunal was seen as a valuable asset for India in the shorter formats. However, his last appearance came in 2021.
The rise of established players like Axar Patel, along with emerging talents, has dimmed Krunal’s prospects. His journey emphasizes that making an early impact is crucial, but evolving with the team’s changing needs and strategies is just as important for sustained success.
3. Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar made his international debut in March 2018, under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, during a T20I against Sri Lanka.
Seen as a versatile all-rounder, Shankar was expected to strengthen the middle order and contribute with his medium pace. His performance in the 2019 World Cup showed promise, but since then, his international career has seen a decline, with his last appearance in 2019.
Injuries, along with the game’s rapid evolution—where players offer more explosive batting or tighter bowling—have led to his fading from the national setup. Shankar’s story underscores the importance of maintaining fitness and relevance in cricket’s fast-paced environment.
4. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, an explosive wicket-keeper batsman, made his Test debut in July 2023 under Rohit Sharma.
Having already impressed in the IPL and domestic cricket, he entered with high expectations. However, since his debut, he has not featured in Test cricket again.
The competition for the wicket-keeper spot in the Indian team, with players like Rishabh Pant and K.L. Rahul, has been fierce. Kishan’s situation highlights the challenge of securing a permanent place in a team where multiple players compete for similar roles, especially in Test cricket, which demands both consistency and temperament.
5. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, affectionately known as ‘SKY’, made his Test debut in February 2023.
Renowned for his innovative shots and consistency in T20 cricket, his transition to Test cricket was eagerly awaited. However, since his debut, Yadav has not featured in any Test matches.
His absence can be attributed to the depth of India’s batting lineup, along with a strategic preference to utilize him more effectively in white-ball formats, where he has excelled. Yadav’s journey in Test cricket reflects untapped potential, constrained by talent saturation and team selection dynamics.