Five Indian cricketers who might not play an ODI for India ever again

Ousted Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan may have already played his last ODI for the country.

As India approach the ODI World Cup 2023 in India, the thoughts about India’s squad are getting clearer day by day. The recently concluded West Indies ODI series has also helped a lot in sorting out players for the World Cup plans and being sure about the squad. Many players are back in the hunt, and a few of the names are ruled out considering their form, fitness, and other factors. With the Asia Cup and a 3-match ODI series against Australia in line before the World Cup 2023, India will be looking to secure a team that plays all three events in the next three months.

There are a few names that might be surprising to people. Once considered a core, you’re going to miss out on the biggest spectacle in the game. The 50-over World Cup is the most coveted trophy in cricket. Missing out on the tournament may also bring the curtain down on some of the big names in Indian cricket and put them completely aside in the 50-over format.

Here are five Indian cricketers who might’ve played their last ODI already:

1. Shikhar Dhawan 

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan’s international career looks almost over. Dhawan, after the Bangladesh tour last year, has not been picked in any of the ODI series. His exclusion from the recently concluded West Indies tour gave a clear signal about Dhawan’s career for Team India. Shikhar Dhawan opened the innings along with current Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the last two editions of the World Cup. Dhawan’s poor showing in Bangladesh and before that, as well as in the T20 format, puts him aside as an ODI player.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has slowly faded away from international cricket. Bhuvi last played an ODI in January 2022 and a T20I in November 2022. Once seen as India’s strike bowler for the World Cup, he hasn’t even found a place in the team in the last year. His absence proves that Bhuvi’s ODI career is almost over, and selectors might look at a younger name over the 33-year-old medium-pace bowler. If he was still in the plan for captain Rohit or coach Rahul Dravid, he would have had the opportunity against the West Indies.

3. Ravi Ashwin

This name might surprise a few, as the clamor to bring him back in the 50-over format is still on. It looks almost certain that Ashwin might not be allowed to represent Team India in limited-overs games. Ashwin hasn’t played a T20I since the T20 World Cup and an ODI since South Africa tour in January 2022. Ashwin has made several comebacks in the Indian limited-overs team, but he couldn’t settle in that format. A match winner in red-ball format has a contrasting end to his white-ball game.

4. Kedar Jadhav

While Kedar Jadhav is still fighting hard to make a comeback in the Indian team, youngsters have made his road tougher. Kedar Jadhav was part of the Indian squad for the World Cup 2019 and played a role of a finisher as well as a part-time off-spinner. Jadhav has been away from the Indian setup for the last three years and is unlikely that Indian management will consider him for another comeback considering his age and fitness factor not being on his side. With many upcoming youngsters in line, Jadhav’s ODI career looks over. 

5. Vijay Shankar 

Vijay Shankar came in like a wind in the Indian cricket team that stormed a debate during the World Cup 2019 in England. Indian selectors preferred Vijay Shankar over specialist batter Ambati Rayudu to take up the responsibility of number 4 slot for team India. Shankar was given the edge over Rayudu only for his bowling attributes. He has been missing from the Indian squad since then and hasn’t even come close to selection after the World Cup 2019. Shankar’s ODI career looks over with 12 ODIs under his name. Shankar did well in the IPL and may be given a go in the T20I format.

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