5 Axed Indian players who deserve more chances in T20I team

The Indian team is currently busy playing in the Asia Cup and is the favourite to lift the trophy on September 28. A full strength squad has been picked to compete in the continental event but even then some of the deserving players have been left out of the squad. 

Such is the talent in the country that several deserving players are dropped without any reason and they never get the chance again. Here are five axed Indian players who deserve more chances in T20Is.

1. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer has been extremely unlucky to not be in the Asia Cup squad. After plundering more than 600 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025 and leading his team Punjab Kings to the final, it was expected that he would be one of the first names in the line-up. 

Iyer last played a T20I for India in December 2023 and deserves another go in the format sooner or later, having already played 51 matches and scored 1104 runs at a strike rate of 136.12.

2. Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag perfectly fits into the current Indian team as he is an all-rounder and if needed, can also deliver four overs. Parag made his T20I debut in July last year and played nine matches in the format, scoring 106 runs at a strike rate of 151.42 and also picked four wickets. 

He seems to be a perfect player at number four where he bats for his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. The youngster is extremely talented and is likely the future captain of the Royals in IPL. Looking at his all-round skills, Parag deserves another chance in the Indian team, possibly after the T20 World Cup next year.

3. Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan has always been around the Indian team but injuries have ruined his career. After making his debut in the shortest format in 2022, the fast bowler has played 22 matches and picked up 27 wickets. 

He last played for India in November 2024 against South Africa and hasn’t played any cricket since IPL 2025. The man underwent surgery for his injured knee and is likely to miss the white-ball domestic tournaments. But the fact that he was in contention to be picked before getting injured means he deserves a chance in the Indian team again next year.

4. Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana is one of the players who made their T20I debuts on Sri Lanka tour in 2021 and have been sidelined since then. The southpaw is extremely talented and can turn the game on its head with the bat. 

He showed the same for his team in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) as well, leading the West Delhi Lions to the title recently. Rana should get another chance to showcase his skills in the national jersey.

5. Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan’s absence from the Indian teams across all formats is surprising. It has been more than a year since he donned the national jersey and if fit, should be tried right away. 

The southpaw has played 32 T20Is and scored 796 runs at a strike rate of 124.37 with six fifties. He is naturally an opener but can bat at three and can rip apart any bowling line-up on his day, just like he did in the IPL.

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