Former India selector reveals why Sarfaraz Khan, Abhimanyu Easwaran weren't selected for WI tour

Sarfaraz Khan has batted with an outstanding average of more than 90 in previous three Ranji Trophy seasons.

Among the leading run-scorers in the Ranji Trophy Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran found no place in India’s 16-member squad for the West Indies tour. Fans and former cricketers are disappointed with the decision-making of the current Indian senior selection panel's decision making. Cheteshwar Pujara is also dropped for the two test series against West Indies. A former member of the national selection committee has come out to defend the selectors' decision and gave a few reasons as to why Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran were not picked for the upcoming West Indies tour. The former selector explained a few factors behind the players' selection and non-selection. 

Ex Selector explains the selection process

Talking about Sarfaraz and Easwaran, he explained that selectors do not look at runs alone, but also the style of the play and his ability to deal with different challenges. He further explained that Sarfaraz looked uncomfortable against raw pace and Easwaran had not done well in the Ranji Trophy knockout. He said, "Hence Sarfaraz Khan getting completely exposed against quick bowlers in IPL or Abhimanyu Easwaran not scoring for Bengal in seven consecutive Ranji knock-out games (three quarter-finals, two semi-finals and two finals) also is taken into account. It is not just about how many runs you score but also how you score them that matters". 

Defending Ruturaj's selection he said, “I am not saying the Das (Shiv Sundar Das) panel will think like this but Ruturaj’s ability to play fast bowling, despite his 40 plus average in Ranji Trophy, stands a better chance to be successful”.

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal have been picked in the 16-member squad for the WI tour. India will play the first test match of the series at Windsor Park in Dominica on 12th July. The second test will be played at Queens Park Oval in Trinidad from 20th July to 24th July.