Yashasvi Jaiswal Latest Casualty: Players Dropped From India's ODI Squad After Scoring A Hundred

Yashasvi Jaiswal [Source: AFP]

As the 2027 ODI World Cup is approaching, India are preparing for the mega-event and several players are striving to secure a place in the national squad through consistent performances. 

While strong displays often strengthen a player's case for selection, there have been instances where Indian cricketers scored a century in their most recent ODI appearance and still found themselves out of the team.

One recent example is Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, he is not the first Indian player to experience such a situation. 

Over the years, the BCCI has made several difficult selection decisions while balancing experimentation and competition for places in the India's ODI squad.

Here are three Indian players who were dropped despite scoring a century in their last ODI appearance.

Indian Players Who Were Dropped After Scoring ODI Century

1. Sanju Samson

The last time Sanju Samson represented India in ODIs was during the tour of South Africa in 2023. Following India's defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the Men in Blue travelled to South Africa for a three-match ODI series.

Notably, Samson had a disappointing outing in the second ODI, scoring just 12 runs off 23 deliveries. However, he responded brilliantly in the series decider. 

After India were put in to bat first, the visitors lost Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan early for 22 and 10 runs respectively.

At an important stage, Samson took control of the innings and played a magnificent knock of 108 runs from 114 balls, which included six fours and three sixes. 

Notably, he received valuable support from Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh as India posted a competitive total of 296 runs.

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The Indian bowlers then completed the job by dismissing the Proteas for 218 runs in 45.5 overs, sealing a comfortable victory. 

Despite scoring a match-winning 100 in his final ODI appearance, Samson was subsequently overlooked in the 50-over format due to intense competition for places and has not featured in India's ODI setup since 2023.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad's ODI journey with India has been a mixed one. Despite consistently performing in domestic cricket and scoring a century in his last ODI appearance, he too found himself out of the national setup.

Notably, Gaikwad was given an opportunity during India ODI series against South Africa after Shreyas Iyer suffered an injury. 

Gaikwad began the series modestly, scoring just eight runs in the first ODI at Ranchi. However, he showcased his immense talent in the second ODI in Raipur.

The right-handed batter registered his maiden ODI century, reaching the landmark with a superb innings that featured 12 fours and two sixes. Notably, his century played a key role in helping India post a daunting total of 358 runs.

Despite Gaikwad's heroics, India suffered a narrow defeat as South Africa chased down the target with four wickets in hand and 4 balls to spare.

However, the century was not enough to cement his place in the side. He was left out of the subsequent ODI series against New Zealand, and with Shreyas Iyer returning from injury, opportunities became even more limited.

With several established players competing for spots, the selectors opted not to include him, even as a reserve option for subsequent ODI assignments.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal had a great start to his ODI career and made the best of the opportunities that came his way. Notably, he scored 18 and 22 runs in the first two matches of his ODI series against South Africa before putting up a stellar show in the last game.

The young southpaw showed his full range of skills as he clobbered 116* off 121 balls to record his maiden ODI century. His batting was brilliant but he was dropped from the New Zealand ODI side later.

Most significantly, Jaiswal eventually got another opportunity when India faced Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series. Once again, he displayed his enormous potential. At MA Chidambaram Stadium, he batted with conviction and scored 110* off 86 balls.

Remarkably, despite scoring two centuries in his last three ODI appearances, Jaiswal was once again left out when India's squad for the England ODI series was announced.

It is important to note that his exclusion has been one of the most debated selection decisions in recent times. 

However, the selection committee has prioritised continuity and experience in the batting lineup against a strong England side.

With Virat Kohli occupying the No. 3 position and the established opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill firmly in place, opportunities at the top of the order remain limited. 

Furthermore, the team management reportedly preferred Ishan Kishan as the backup opener due to his versatility and ability to bat in multiple positions.

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