India recently lost the ODI series against England. The team did not perform as per the expectations in the entire series. There are many players on the team who have disappointed everyone with their performances. The Indian team management has failed completely in finding solid middle order batsmen, especially at No. 4.
Ever since Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh lost their touch, India has found it hard to replace these batsmen. Even MS Dhoni has lost his touch and hitting prowess. Therefore India desperately needs their replacement.
India needs to start from the scratch to build a team for the World Cup. India needs to make certain changes in the team. The selectors should have a serious discussion about giving the opportunities to the youngsters.
Many youngsters have performed exceptionally well in the domestic circuit. They should be rewarded for their consistent performances with a proper chance in the International arena to showcase their talent.
These players should immediately be drafted into the squad and management should groom these players to form a great team.
Here are the 5 Players who should be fast-tracked into the ODI team.
#5. Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Kamlesh Nagarkoti was sensational in the U19 World Cup. He impressed everyone with his pace, especially Ian Bishop. He was constantly topping 145 kph which was unheard of Indian bowlers at the U19 stage. He bowls sharp inswingers and he has a good command at his reverse-swing bowling skills. He also bowls pacey yorkers and good bouncers.
Nagarkoti made his List A debut for Rajasthan during the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was impressive in his second game itself. He rescued his team from 54 for 6 with an unbeaten half-century. He then claimed the first hat-trick by a Rajasthan bowler in List A cricket which ultimately resulted in a victory.
Nagarkoti was bought at 3.2 crores by Kolkata Knight Riders at the 2018 IPL auctions. He was unable to play any match in the tournament due to an injury.
Nagarkoti is a sharp fielder with quick reflexes and his striking ability lower down the batting order, makes him a good allrounder. He should be fast-tracked in India's ODI team. He would be a good asset for India as a one-change bowler.
#4. Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya could be a good option for India at the lower middle order. He mostly bats down the order in the domestic circuit as well as in the IPL. Although his domestic record is not that impressive, he has performed fluently down the order in the IPL. He has chased many targets for his team, Mumbai Indians.
The major problem for Krunal's underperformance in domestic cricket has been his injury. Krunal didn't play any competitive cricket for almost a year due to shoulder surgery in 2015, and he again injured himself ahead of this year's season.
Krunal has scored 708 runs in 39 IPL matches at a scintillating strike rate of 153.91. He also has taken 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.12. Pandya has also dismissed AB de Villers four times in the IPL which is no mean feat.
Pandya should be fast-tracked in India's ODI team as he is a good hitter of the ball and has the qualities of becoming a good match finisher. He is also a good bowling option for the team with his tight line and length.
#3. Prithvi Shaw
Shaw was in the headlines in November 2013 when he scored 546 off 330 balls, an innings that contained 85 fours and five sixes, in a Mumbai-based Harris Shield elite division match.
Shaw is an attacking opening batsman from Mumbai. He played an important role as a captain in leading India to the title in ICC U19 World Cup, 2018. He scored 261 runs across 6 games at an average of 65 in that tournament.
Shaw has a brilliant record in the first class cricket where he has scored 1418 runs at an average of 56.72. In his last 10 innings, he has scored 4 hundreds. Shaw has the hunger for runs. His batting style resembles the great Sachin Tendulkar, especially the footwork and cut shots.
Shaw is an attacking batsman who scores quick runs in the powerplays. These quick runs help the middle order to play their natural game.
Shaw played for Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2018. He was given a chance to bat at the top of the order after Gambhir failed miserably. He grabbed the opportunity with both the hands. He scored 245 runs with a strike rate of 153.12 which includes two fifties.
Therefore, Shaw should be given a serious chance by the selectors. India currently has one of the worst run-rate in the powerplays. With his attacking game, Shaw can become an asset for the team in the powerplays.
#2. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is one of the brightest talents in India's domestic circuit. He gained huge applause for his outstanding performance in the U19 World Cup. He scored 418 runs at an average of 104.50 in the tournament.
Gill easily looked the best batsman among all the players at the World Cup. He has an average of 61.25 in two first class matches
Gill was a favorite in the 2018 IPL auctions and was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for 1.8 crores. He scored 203 runs at an average of 33.83 and a strike rate of 146.04 which is very impressive for a debutant in the IPL. He also finished a game for KKR against CSK with an elegant fifty.
Shubman's batting style resembles Virat Kohli. Like Virat, Gill is a big fan of running between the wickets. He knows how and when to change gears while batting. He has the ability to hit the shots all over the ground. He was fantastic in recently completed England A tour. He scored 3 fifties in 5 innings.
India is not able to find the player who could bat at No. 4 in ODIs. Shubman is perfect for that position.
#1. Rishabh Pant
A destructive left-handed wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant came into prominence after his performances for India in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. He dazzled the tournament with a blitzkrieg 24-ball 75 against Nepal and followed it up with a century against Namibia.
He then had wonderful Ranji season. Initially, Pant was inconsistent as he tried to be over-aggressive. In an interview, he admitted that he has changed his approach to the game. He has now learned to play sensible cricket according to the situation. He is learning to play with responsibility and composure for the team's cause.
Rishabh Pant rediscovered himself in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy this year. He was the highest run-scorer in the tournament. He also had an amazing IPL season. He amassed a massive 684 runs in 14 innings at a thundering strike rate of 173.60.
Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pant played a remarkable knock of 128* of just 63 balls. Pant also hit the most sixes and fours in this IPL season, the count being 37 sixes and 68 fours.
Pant has also played brilliantly and sensibly in all formats for Indian A in the recently completed England tour. Being a southpaw, he is an excellent candidate to bat in the middle order. Team management needs to reward him for his performances by giving him a chance to play in the ODIs.
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news