The BCCI announced the central contracts for the upcoming season. While there were some surprising promotions and additions, the glaring omissions and continued neglect of deserving players have raised eyebrows yet again. For years, the Indian selection committee has come under scrutiny for its inconsistency, favouritism, and baffling decisions that have left even the most talented cricketers languishing on the sidelines.
Here’s a look at five players who haven’t been treated fairly by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
1. Sai Sudharsan – A Case of Criminal Overlooking
Sai Sudharsan’s rise in Indian cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. The southpaw has been on a purple patch that very few young Indian batters can match. With 417 runs in just 8 matches this season, including multiple fifties, Sudharsan has shown remarkable consistency and temperament. His overall IPL record speaks volumes – 1451 runs in 33 matches with 11 fifties and a century, boasting an average of nearly 50.
Sai has shown promise not just in the IPL but also on the international stage. In his brief ODI stint, he scored two fifties in three matches, including some mature knocks under pressure. Yet, when the opportunity came to replace Rohit Sharma, the selectors went with Devdutt Padikkal, who hasn’t even been in comparable form.
Even after Sai’s century against Australia A in a shadow Test series, the selection committee ignored him, showcasing their persistent blind eye to merit. It’s baffling how a batter of his quality is constantly sidelined while others are parachuted in based on reputation or politics.
2. Avesh Khan – The Ignored Workhorse
Avesh Khan has been one of the most reliable fast bowlers in the IPL and domestic circuit in recent years. This season for LSG, he’s delivered under pressure, notably defending 9 runs in a last-over scenario with ice in his veins. His IPL record is commendable – 84 wickets in 72 matches – and he was one of the key bowlers for Rajasthan Royals last season, picking up 19 wickets in 16 games.
Internationally, Avesh has played 25 matches for India, bagging 27 wickets. While he has occasionally gone for runs, his overall record is decent, especially considering the role he plays in the middle and death overs.
Still, the selectors have overlooked him, preferring the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna – players with lesser consistency and experience. Avesh’s ability to bowl at any stage of the game and his combination with Bumrah could have been a deadly weapon for India across formats, but unfortunately, the selectors don’t seem to see that.
3. Karun Nair – Forgotten After a Triple Century
No Indian player in recent memory has been as mysteriously dropped and forgotten as Karun Nair. In just his third Test, he scored a majestic triple century (303)* against England in 2016 – a rare feat not just for Indian batters but in world cricket. Yet, eight years later, Karun finds himself completely out of the national reckoning.
He moved to Vidarbha to revive his career and has been nothing short of phenomenal in domestic cricket. In the last one year of first-class cricket, Karun has amassed 1553 runs in 33 innings across 19 matches, including 6 hundreds and 5 fifties, averaging close to 50. He played a pivotal role in Vidarbha winning the Ranji Trophy and reaching the Vijay Hazare Trophy final.
His List A numbers this season are mind-blowing – 1009 runs in 17 matches with 6 centuries and 2 fifties, averaging a jaw-dropping 144. Even in the ongoing IPL 2025, he has shown glimpses of his hitting prowess, scoring 139 runs in just 5 matches at a strike rate of 187.83. Yet, no India call-up. No contract. No explanation.
4. Khaleel Ahmed – A Left-Arm Asset Being Wasted
India has long craved a quality left-arm fast bowler, and Khaleel Ahmed was supposed to be that solution. Debuting for India in 2018, Khaleel impressed with his swing, control, and aggression. However, a string of injuries and the selectors’ short memory meant that he hasn’t played for India since 2019.
Khaleel has been a revelation this season in the IPL with CSK. Alongside Noor Ahmad, he’s been their best bowler, taking 12 wickets in 9 matches, with one of the highest dot ball percentages in the tournament. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and the middle overs has been a big asset for Chennai.
Still, the selectors haven’t brought him back into the Indian setup, continuing to back pacers who offer neither variety nor form. A left-arm pacer like Khaleel could offer something drastically different to India’s attack, especially in conditions where angle and variation matter.
5. R Sai Kishore – The Spinner Who’s Outbowling Rashid Khan
R Sai Kishore has been nothing short of phenomenal in IPL 2025. Playing for Gujarat Titans, he has not only cemented his spot but has emerged as the lead spinner, even overshadowing Rashid Khan — a statement that needs no exaggeration.
In just 8 matches, Sai has picked up 12 wickets, consistently breaking partnerships and putting the brakes on opposition scoring. But his success isn’t limited to just this season. A vital cog in Tamil Nadu’s domestic dominance, Sai is their captain and has an outstanding First-Class record — 192 wickets in 46 matches, showcasing his ability to operate across formats.
Despite these numbers, there’s no India call-up, no central contract, and no serious consideration for the national side. When you have a left-arm spinner outbowling world-class names, contributing with the bat, and showing leadership qualities, what more does he need to prove?
Selections should be made on form, fitness, and merit, not reputation, politics, or favouritism. Until that happens, players like Sai Sudharsan, Avesh Khan, Karun Nair, Khaleel Ahmed, and Sai Kishore will remain tragic tales of talent wasted.