3 talented cricketers who have been overlooked by the Indian selectors

There are many cricketers in our country who were never called up for national duty, but had immense potential to become established national players. Here I pay tribute to 3 of those forgotten talents which ‘got away’.

Mithun Manhas is a handsome stroke maker, a stylish text book cricketer. He has a solid technique and can play well in most of the difficult conditions. Born in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, he established himself as a cricketer in Delhi. Mithun Manhas is one of the many middle-order batsmen in Indian domestic cricketers who were born in the wrong era: that of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly.

Throughout his best years, there was never a vacancy at the national level. Nevertheless, he is a exceptional Ranji player and captained Delhi Ranji side many times. In crucial times he also kept wickets for Delhi Ranji side, and was also a seasoned off-break bowler. He was also part of the Delhi Daredevils Twenty20 team during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League and even tried his hand at bowling in T20, picking up three wickets in a game.

He posses a brilliant batting average of 51.6 in the List A level and 43.3 in the First-Class level. He also has a first class double hundred.

Rajat Bhatia was unfortunate to not to be considered for national duty. He could have been the all rounder India were looking for when Robin Singh called it a day in 2001. He is a decent bowler who stuck up to the basics of line and length. He also posses a deceptive slower one, generally a back of the hand delivery. He is instrumental in containing runs, and was vital for Delhi Daredevils in all the three seasons. Now playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, he was one of the few players who were praised by Dav Whatmore, Vijay Dahiya and Wasim Akram. He is a good lower order batsman, can score quick 20-30 runs and change game for the team.

In First class cricket he averages 47.25 with best of 185 with the bat, and in bowling his averages 29.21 with best bowling figures of 5/29.

T.P Singh is an excellent fielder with a strong fielding arm, with the likes of Greg Chappel being famously impressed by this lad. T.P Singh played domestic cricket for Railways and Punjab as a decent slow left arm orthodox bowler. He could have been deceptive as a bowler in the sub-continental pitches had he represented India. He is also an aggressive batsman who could take away the pressure off his team in any circumstance. Singh first came under the spotlight in the game for India-A against Australia-A, under the captaincy of Venugopal Rao. He got rid of Brad Haddin and Bradd Hodge in quick succession, also scored quick a 20 odd runs while batting deep down the order.

In his later career, he shifted to the rebel league ICL, and played for Chandigarh Lions, and ICL India. He was also a big success over there.

There are many more Ranji players apart from these 3, that I hope to shed some light on and pay a tribute through my articles on Sportskeeda.