Abhinav Mukund raises concern over continuous prioritisation of IPL over Domestic Cricket as criteria for selection

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal are included in the Indian test squad, while Sarfaraz Khan is ignored again.

Indian national selection panel has come under the radar once again after they picked the 16-member squad for the upcoming squad for the West Indies tour. One of their controversial calls of dropping India’s experienced number three Cheteshwar Pujara has sparked a debate in Indian cricket. Apart from Pujara, the continuous snubbing of Sarfaraz Khan has also made everyone question the controversial decision-making while picking the best available players. From Legends like Sunil Gavaskar to Wasim Jaffer and Abhinav Mukund, all have been coming out in the open to discuss the current selection process of the Indian cricket team. 

Abhinav Mukund raises concern

Former Tamil Nadu opener Abhinav Mukund has tweeted saying, “Unable to understand these selections, too many thoughts in my head to compile into a tweet. But what is the incentive for a young player to take pride in playing for his state anymore? Clearly, the franchise way is a faster way to scale the game”. Abhinav has hinted at the continuous prioritising of Indian Premier League performances over Ranji Trophy performances. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal earned their place above Sarfaraz Khan in the 16-member squad for the West Indies tour. They both had a decent outing in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal were among the top leading run-getters in the Indian Premier League 2023, while they both had average seasons in comparison to Sarfaraz Khan’s staggering numbers. India have 4 opening batters in their 16-member squad with no one sure about who will bat at 3. Ajinkya Rahane is appointed as vice-captain of the team while Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav have been rested. KS Bharat has retained his place in the squad and will take up the responsibility behind the stumps.