Cricket is full of surprises, but sometimes even the biggest names face the ultimate shock – being dropped from their national sides. Here are five instances when cricket fans were left stunned:
1. Rohit Sharma – ODI Captaincy Snub Ahead of 2027 World Cup
After leading India to a Champions Trophy victory and maintaining a stellar record, Rohit Sharma’s removal from the ODI captaincy shocked fans worldwide. Former players and experts questioned the timing, suggesting that the decision seemed politically influenced within the management rather than cricketing logic.
2. Mustafizur Rahman – IPL 2026 Exit Sparks Bangladesh Crisis
Bangladesh’s star pacer, Mustafizur, was abruptly dropped from Kolkata Knight Riders before the IPL 2026 season due to BCCI directives. The sudden release caused a diplomatic storm between India and Bangladesh and raised questions about merit-based selection.
3. Virender Sehwag – Early ODI Dropping in 2007
India’s explosive opener, Virender Sehwag, was surprisingly dropped for a few ODIs despite consistent form. Fans and analysts were bewildered, as his aggressive style was crucial for India’s limited-overs strategy. The decision came amid selection politics rather than poor performance.
4. Babar Azam – Pakistan T20I Snub Before 2025 T20 WC
Pakistan’s captain and top-order star, Babar Azam, was temporarily left out of T20Is before a major ICC event due to a controversial rotation and fitness strategy. Critics called it a “massive overreaction,” given Babar’s form and importance to the team.
5. Steve Smith – Shocked by Australia ODI Exclusion
Even a legend isn’t safe. After his incredible Test and T20I performances, Smith was dropped from an ODI series in 2024 for “team balance reasons,” leaving fans and commentators debating the rationale behind sidelining one of the world’s best batters.
