Team India acting skipper Virat Kohli had said after the 5-0 ODI triumph over Zimbabwe how sorry he was that Parvez Rasool couldn’t get a game, but Kohli had solid cricketing reasons for not considering an international debut for the first player from Kashmir. It is understandable those who made a fuss about this promising all-rounder being picked for the national squad were disappointed he couldn’t make it into the playing XI, but Kohli too just couldn’t take chances given that a virtual second XI was on tour after the Champions Trophy and Caribbean tri-series successes. Zimbabwe may be a lowly side, but to beat anyone 5-0 is not easy, and Kohli wouldn’t simply compromise with his bowling attack. There will be many opportunities for Rasool on the South Africa tour, and those thrilled over his inclusion will just have to be a little more patient.
Rasool entered the Indian squad on merit, and if he didn’t get a look-in, that too, it must be understood, was on merits. The cricketer got a recommendation from chief minister Omar Abdullah too, but this can be put down to sentimentalism rather than any wish to interfere with team selection, which is governed by form and other considerations. That we have a player from a state away from the mainstream is itself something to celebrate.