5 players who got India call-up due to unavailability

India faced a scheduling overlap in September 2026 when the home ODI series against West Indies ran alongside the Asian Games cricket competition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Asian Games event ran from September 24 to October 3, 2026, with the ODI series beginning on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram.

Several senior players were committed to the Asian Games squad and were therefore unavailable for the ODI leg at home. Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan all featured in the Asian Games setup, opening the door for other players to earn national recognition. Shubman Gill captained the ODI side, with KL Rahul named as vice-captain.

Here are the 5 players who got India call-up due to unavailability:

1. Yash Thakur

Yash Thakur is a Vidarbha fast bowler who was added to India’s Asian Games T20 squad after Harshit Rana was ruled out with a rectus femoris strain sustained during a match simulation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Thakur, who is 27 years old, moved from the standby list into the travelling party and was in Japan as part of India’s Asian Games cricket campaign.

2. Naman Dhir

Naman Dhir, a Punjab all-rounder known for his hitting ability in the middle order and his off-spin, received his maiden ODI call-up for the West Indies home series. His selection came with Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan both committed to the Asian Games, leaving gaps in the batting order that Dhir was brought in to fill.

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad was named in India’s ODI squad for the West Indies series. With Shreyas Iyer away at the Asian Games, Gaikwad provided experienced top-order cover in the 50-over setup, offering the selectors a reliable option at the top of the batting order.

4. Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel, a wicketkeeper-batter, was included in India’s ODI squad alongside KL Rahul. Ishan Kishan’s presence at the Asian Games meant the selectors required a second gloveman in the home squad, and Jurel was handed that responsibility for the West Indies series.

5. Auqib Nabi Dar

Auqib Nabi, a right-arm medium bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, earned his maiden ODI call-up for the West Indies series. Born on November 4, 1996, Nabi has built a strong domestic record across 44 first-class matches, claiming 164 wickets at an average of 18.71, with a best return of 7/24. In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Nabi took 44 wickets, the second-highest tally in that season, at a strike rate of 30.47 and an average of 13.93. With Jasprit Bumrah leading India’s bowling attack at the Asian Games, selectors used the vacancy to reward Nabi’s consistent domestic performances.

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