Commonwealth Games 2018: Sanil Shetty likely to take Soumyajit Ghosh's spot in Indian contingent

This Friday proved to be extremely disappointing for the world of Indian table tennis and especially to the talented Soumyajit Ghosh, whose world came crumbling down after the decisions taken by the TTFI.

Following the recent developments of him being alleged with sexual assault and rape charges, nothing has been easy for Ghosh. Gloom and despair soon descended on him when a case was filed by an 18-year-old girl at the Barasat police station, accusing him of rape. His professional prospects came under much speculation ever since, urging TTFI to take these harsh decisions.

The TTFI drew a conclusion that Ghosh needs to be suspended from the team and slashed out his name from the squad headed to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games that begin from 4th April. Sportskeeda has also come to learn that usurping Soumyajit Ghosh would be 2015 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Sanil Shetty.

The executive board members of the TTFI put their heads together and considered the crucial issue regarding actions to be taken against Ghosh and after deciding to suspend and drop him from the team said, "As and when Ghosh proves his innocence in the court of law, the TTFI will lift the suspension."

Currently playing in the German Open, Ghosh has been one of the most promising players in the Indian table tennis scene. Having several titles to his name, his decorated career began when he became the youngest TT player to win the National Championships, beating veteran paddler and Indian table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal.

It was the start of a brilliant career and everybody turned around and took notice as he went on to win his mixed doubles gold medal at the Lufthansa Games in Germany, before winning the ITTF Challenge Seamaster Chile Open men's singles title, defeating countryman Anthony Amalraj in the summit clash.

With a spectacular career history like that, it really is sad to witness the talented player's professional life getting tainted like this, especially ahead of the Commonwealth Games, where he was sure to add to the brilliance of the squad.

As much as sad it is for the nation, the TTFI is justified in taking such a decision and should be lauded for it. With Sanil Shetty in the team now, we surely have a fine mix of players and still hold a major chance of bringing several laurels home.