'I would feel very let down if I was a Yash Rathod' - Robin Uthappa surprised by Vidarbha batter's absence in India A squad vs England Lions

Former India batter Robin Uthappa was surprised to see Yash Rathod's name missing from India A's squad for the two unofficial Test matches against England Lions. Abhimanyu Easwaran is set to lead the side which will play the games in Canterbury and Northampton.

Rathod played a key role in Vidarbha's triumphant Ranji Trophy 2024-2025 campaign. He finished as the highest run-getter in the tournament, amassing 960 runs from 18 innings at an average of 53.33. The 25-year-old scored five centuries - more than any other batter in the 2024-2025 edition of India's premier domestic red-ball competition.

Despite his staggering performance, Rathod couldn't break into the India A squad and Uthappa said that the left-handed batter has every right to feel disappointed.

"One kid who is not a part of the squad and I wish he was a part of the squad is Yash Rathod. He scored 960 runs in Ranji Trophy cricket, top-scored, number one scorer in India, and still not a look in, despite winning the Ranji Trophy and top-scoring for your team. I would feel very let down if I was a Yash Rathod for the fact that showing that I'm the best in the country, at this point in time, in first-class cricket and I still haven't gotten a look in to the India A level," Uthappa said while speaking in a video on his official YouTube channel.

Also Read: Abhimanyu Easwaran named captain for India A's tour of England

Sai Kishore should be playing at the international level: Uthappa

Uthappa also feels that Tamil Nadu spinner Sai Kishore deserves to play international cricket. While he hailed Harsh Dubey, who is also a left-arm spinner like Kishore, and finished as the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy last season, Uthappa believes that giving opportunities to both would create healthy competition and that could be beneficial for the Men in Blue.

"Another one who I think who's got enormous potential and should be playing at the international level is Sai Kishore. An incredible left-arm spinner, I think one of the best in the country, at this point in time. Yes, Harsh Dubey has been reposed for his performances and I'm very happy for that, but you'd love to have someone like Sai Kishore to push each other a little bit. I truly believe that like Sai Sudharsan, this guy has got the potential to be an all-format bowler and I think potential needs to be backed."