Mohisin Naqvi's dismissal from ACC: Extension unlikely due to lack of BCCI support

The true strength of a sports team is determined not only by its starting eleven; it manifests when multiple stars are available simultaneously, yet the team's level does not drop. In the coming weeks, Indian cricket will face such a test: an ODI series against the West Indies will take place while the Asian Games are being held in Japan. The question is not who replaces whom, but whether India possesses sufficient squad depth to field two strong international teams at once.

This situation presents more of an examination than a problem for Indian cricket. Many players selected for the T20 format Asian Games were previously part of India's plans for the ODI format. Consequently, some recognized names will be unavailable during the start of the ODI series against the West Indies. It is under these conditions that the true reserve power of Indian cricket can be revealed.

For instance, Ishan Kishan will be available for the Asian Games as a wicketkeeper. However, this does not mean that Rishabh Pant should be considered the only replacement for him in the ODI team. A more important question is which wicketkeeper, besides Kelleh Rahul, can be a reliable choice for use during the 2027 World Cup?

Pant's name naturally surfaces because he is a big-match player, and his ODI statistics are favorable. Nevertheless, if he is given a chance, it cannot be seen merely as a return of a star. It must become an opportunity to test what role Pant can play in the next World Cup cycle. Another figure in this picture is Dhruv Jurel. Therefore, it is more important to develop a complete backup plan than to give a chance to one player.

A similar situation is observed in the batting department. Shreyas Iyer will captain the Asian Games, which may give chances to batsmen like Rituraj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the ODI series. In both cases, the question is not just about form. The question is whether Indian batsmen who can step in for the primary players are ready without lowering the quality of the team?

Yashasvi's situation is particularly interesting. Despite scoring two centuries in the last three ODI matches, if he does not secure a spot in the regular ODI lineup, it will not just be the disappointment of one player. It will call into question how Indian selectors determine their priorities for the future.

The challenge in bowling is even greater. Since Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will be available for the Asian Games, other fast bowlers may be tasked with responsibility in the ODI series. Mohammed Siraj, Mayank Yadav, and other options will get a chance to prove their worth.

This is where India's true depth will be shown. After all, great teams are not defined by whether they have a bowler like Bumrah. They are defined by how reliable the next bowler is if Bumrah is unavailable. In tournaments like the World Cup, injuries, workload, and form can change the equation at any moment. Therefore, having a second line is not a luxury, but a necessity.

The same test awaits all-rounders. If Axar Patel participates in the Asian Games, it could open the door for Ravindra Jadeja's return to ODIs. But it is not enough to just consider this as the return of an experienced player. Selectors also need to determine what type of all-rounder the team requires for the next major tournament.

The most intriguing thing about this story is that major names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill will also be present in the ODI series. That is, on one hand, there will be many first-tier Indian stars, and on the other, a test for those players who must replace them when necessary.

Therefore, considering this ODI series merely a three-match series against the West Indies would be a mistake. It could also become a selection series for India's second team.

India has long spoken about its reserve strength. There is talk of constantly forming a large pool of new players through the IPL, domestic cricket, and India-A. But the real test takes place in international cricket. There is not just talent required there. There is also the ability to perform under pressure, understanding the role, and taking responsibility in the absence of big players.

The clash of the Asian Games and the ODI series against the West Indies places precisely this kind of test before India. And perhaps this is the most positive aspect of the entire event.

If India uses this opportunity only to fill gaps, the benefit will be limited. But if every new player is clearly assigned a role and tested, the picture for the 2027 World Cup could become clearer in just a few matches.

Which of the eleven players will take the field is a secondary issue. True strength will be demonstrated when, in addition to these eleven, there are players ready to take responsibility as soon as the opportunity arises. The Asian Games have provided India with exactly such an opportunity.

Now the ball is in the selectors' court, not just the players'—will they view this as a forced measure or as a chance to build two strong Indian teams?

The most crucial phase of the Indian team's visit to New Zealand will begin in November. During this tour, the Indian team will play two Test matches, and the team management has started preparations for this series.

According to reports, the BCCI and the team management have prepared a shortlist of fast bowlers, taking into account the conditions in New Zealand. This list includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurunoor Barar, and Akash Dip.

However, the absence of two names is causing the most resonance. Experienced Mohammad Shammi, as well as the fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, Akib Nabi, are not yet featured in the selection committee's plans.

Overall, in New Zealand, the Indian team is scheduled to play five T20 matches, five ODI matches, and two Test matches. The T20 series will first take place from October 22 to November 1, followed by the ODI series from November 4 to 15, and the two Test matches are planned for November 19 and 27.

There has long been speculation surrounding Mohammad Shammi's possible return to the Test squad. Nevertheless, the information that has emerged regarding the upcoming series against New Zealand is not good news for Shammi.

Shammi possesses rich experience in Test matches, having taken 229 wickets in 64 matches for India. His statistics in New Zealand are also commendable, where he took 15 wickets in four Test matches played. However, according to media reports, the experienced fast bowler is currently not in the team management's plans. This means that instead of relying on Shammi's experience in New Zealand's conditions, characterized by bounce and swing, the management is ready to promote other options.

In addition to Shammi, the name Akib Nabi is also absent from this shortlist. This fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated outstanding performance in domestic cricket. He was named the best bowler in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 tournament. Following these successes, he was given the opportunity to be included in the Indian Test squad before the series against Sri Lanka last month. However, he failed to make the starting lineup during that series. It has now become known that his name is also missing from the initial plan for the visit to New Zealand, which increases the uncertainty surrounding his future. Notably, just a few days ago, an PTI report stated that Nabi plans to play in the County Championship as preparation for the upcoming series in New Zealand. Thus, the question arises whether he will be able to secure a spot in the squad for the New Zealand tour, or if his wait will be prolonged according to the current BCCI plan.

The role of fast bowlers will be extremely important in New Zealand's conditions. In this regard, the first pair selected by the team management are Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj. Bumrah is considered the team's main strike weapon, while Siraj has long been a consistent fast bowler in the Test squad. Prasidh Krishna is also included among them. Prasidh has the ability to achieve good bounce, and New Zealand's conditions may prove beneficial for him.

The most interesting name on the shortlist is Gurunoor Barar. Barar attracted the attention of the team management due to his performance in India A and in domestic cricket. Despite not yet having made his Test debut, his inclusion in the potential list of five fast bowlers clearly shows that the management wants to prepare future options.

Akash Dip is also among these five fast bowlers, but he faces fitness issues as he is currently on leave due to injury. Questions also arise regarding Bumrah's physical condition, and Akash Dip is also battling injuries.

How important is this tour in New Zealand? The Indian visit to New Zealand will run from October 22 to December 1. During this time, five T20 International matches, five ODI matches, and two Test matches will be played between the two teams. Although the most critical part of the visit for India is the Test series, these two matches hold immense significance for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. The goal of the Indian team is to secure one of the top two spots in the current WTC cycle to qualify for the WTC final, which will be held at The Oval in 2027. Consequently, the result of the two Test matches against New Zealand could significantly influence India's future path.

Thursday is expected to be a very important day for Indian cricket, as a meeting of the senior management of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) will take place in Mumbai. At this meeting, the recent performance of the Indian team, as well as several other significant issues, are planned to be discussed. The greatest interest will be focused on the future of Rohit Sharma.

Although the official agenda for this gathering has not been published, it is known that the BCCI previously stated the need to review the recent performances of the Indian squad. Therefore, discussions are expected regarding the team's results in Ireland, England, and Sri Lanka, as well as the development of a further strategy.

Many prominent figures in Indian cricket will participate in the meeting. Head coach Gautam Gurjeev, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman will attend the meeting. BCCI Secretary Devadjit Saikia will organize and chair this gathering. It is expected that all of them will be present in person.

The greatest attention during the entire meeting will be paid to Rohit Sharma. Recently, there has been active discussion about whether Rohit will participate in the 2027 One Day International World Cup. Previously, one report claimed that the selectors do not see Rohit in the plans for the 2027 WC, and that the match at Lord's could be the last in his career. However, after this news emerged, the BCCI immediately refuted it, revealing a divergence of views between the BCCI and the chief selector.

This is why Thursday's meeting is so significant. It is anticipated that the situation regarding Rohit's future may be clarified at this meeting. Will he be part of the plan for the 2027 WC? Does the team management see him in the future of ODI cricket? It is highly likely that these questions will be put up for discussion.

A crucial part of the meeting will be the analysis of the recent performances of the Indian team. The performance of the Indian baseball team during tours to Ireland and England particularly raised many questions. The T20 World Cup champion team failed to secure a single victory in six played T20Is against Ireland and England.

The agenda for this meeting is not expected to be limited only to the Indian team. There are also rumors circulating about the future of chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Indian cricket. Furthermore, there are speculations that VVS Laxman might receive a more significant role within the Indian team. Nevertheless, neither the BCCI, nor Agarkar, nor Laxman have publicly commented on these issues, so there is no official confirmation of these rumors yet. However, some clarity is expected on both these matters following Thursday's meeting.

It will be particularly interesting to observe whether Laxman will receive greater responsibility within the Indian team structure.

The upcoming tour will also be discussed at the meeting. The Indian team is scheduled to undertake a challenging tour of New Zealand, where a series in multiple formats will be held during a single visit. India is set to play five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests against New Zealand. This tour will be quite long and demanding for the Indian team. Therefore, the BCCI meeting may discuss the team's preparation, player selection, and strategy for the upcoming matches.

Additionally, the team's standing in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for India is likely to be discussed. The team needs to perform well in Test cricket to strengthen its position. Consequently, the meeting will focus not only on reviewing recent poor results but also on developing a long-term strategy for the coming months. That is, issues of selection, coaching staff, player roles, and future planning will be addressed simultaneously.

Since this meeting takes place before the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM), it carries special importance. Decisions or recommendations made at this meeting may be presented before the Annual General Meeting. Ultimately, the biggest question remains open: will Rohit Sharma's future regarding the 2027 WC be clarified after this meeting?