Prithvi Shaw: The Forgotten Opener
Once hailed as the next big thing in Indian batting, Prithvi Shaw finds himself on the sidelines yet again. Now 26, the explosive opener has been working to rebuild his career after being dropped from the national side and facing setbacks in the IPL.
His move from Mumbai to Maharashtra for domestic cricket seems to be paying dividends. During the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, Shaw amassed 537 runs in seven matches, highlighted by a breathtaking 222 off just 156 balls against Chandigarh. This innings was a powerful reminder of his ability to dismantle bowling attacks. While the Test squad has opted for Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Devdutt Padikkal, Shaw’s aggressive, match-winning potential at the top of the order offers a dimension that is currently missing. His snub raises questions about whether consistent domestic run-scoring is valued enough, especially for a player with a proven international century on Test debut.
Sarfaraz Khan: The Domestic Run Machine Ignored
The exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan from the Test squad is a story that has become painfully familiar to Indian cricket followers. For several seasons, Sarfaraz has been arguably the most consistent red-ball batsman in the country, drawing comparisons to legends for his sheer weight of runs. After a phenomenal run between 2019 and 2023, where he averaged over 100 in two separate Ranji Trophy seasons, he finally earned a Test debut in 2024. However, his exclusion from the New Zealand tour suggests he is once again out of favour. The selection of players like Sai Sudharsan and the retention of others in the middle order over a player who has dominated first-class cricket is a baffling decision for many. Sarfaraz’s ability to score big hundreds and master spin bowling is a rare commodity. Overlooking him sends a discouraging message to players who grind it out in domestic cricket, season after season, hoping for a sustained run at the highest level.
Riyan Parag: The Finisher Kept Waiting
After a breakout IPL season in 2024 where he scored 573 runs, Riyan Parag has matured into a dependable middle-order batsman and finisher. Now captaining the Rajasthan Royals, he has continued to deliver, scoring 393 runs in the 2025 IPL and reportedly an impressive 653 fantasy points in the 2026 season, showcasing his all-round value. The ODI squad for New Zealand features Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tilak Varma in the middle-order and finisher roles. While both are talented, Parag’s recent form and growing leadership experience made him a strong candidate. His ability to hit big from ball one and contribute with his handy leg-spin makes him a versatile package for white-ball cricket. His omission feels like a missed opportunity to integrate a player who is in the prime of his T20 and List-A form into the national setup and reward his significant development over the past few years.
Ravi Bishnoi: The Unorthodox Spinner
Ravi Bishnoi’s journey has been a rollercoaster. By the end of 2023, he was the world's number one ranked T20I bowler, known for his fast googlies and fearless attitude. However, since then, he has found it difficult to hold down a permanent spot in the Indian team. The ODI squad for the New Zealand tour includes the experienced Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel as the primary spin options. While Kuldeep is a world-class wrist-spinner, Bishnoi offers a different kind of threat. His flatter trajectory and deceptive variations can be a handful, especially on surfaces that offer some bounce. Despite a perception that batters have begun to figure him out, he remains a potent wicket-taking option. Leaving out a spinner who was recently at the top of the world rankings seems like a conservative move, especially when the team could benefit from having a varied spin attack.
Umran Malik: Raw Pace Sacrificed?
The 'Jammu Express' remains one of the most exciting talents in Indian cricket, capable of consistently clocking speeds over 150 km/h. After a sensational IPL in 2022 where he took 22 wickets, Umran Malik made his debut for India in both white-ball formats. However, concerns over his economy rate have often seen him sidelined. The current ODI pace attack for the New Zealand tour features Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna, among others. While these bowlers offer skill and control, none possess the raw, intimidating pace that Umran brings. On hard, bouncy New Zealand pitches, a bowler with his speed could be a game-changing asset, capable of unsettling the best batsmen and breaking partnerships. The selectors' decision to prioritise control over outright pace is a long-running debate, but in doing so, they have once again left out a truly unique weapon.
