Ajit Agarkar goes unfiltered on Karun Nair’s exclusion, explains key India Test squad decisions: ‘It cannot be about just one innings’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar did not mince his words as he revealed that batter Karun Nair was dropped from the latest Indian Test squad for failing to meet the expectations in England, while he also explained big decisions like picking pacer Jasprit Bumrah and the prolonged absence of Mohammed Shami.

After impressing in domestic cricket, Nair made a comeback to the Indian Test squad in England after an absence of eight years. However, he could only score 205 runs in four Tests at an average of 25.62 and scored just one fifty in a Test series where many young players managed to outdo the expectations.

Agarkar explains dropping Nair, picking Padikkal

As a result, the 33-year-old has been dropped from the squad for the two-match Test series against West Indies that will be played in October 2025. Nair has been replaced by 25-year-old Devdutt Padikkal.

“We expected more from Karun Nair in England,” Agarkar said in the press conference to announce India’s Test squad. “It cannot be about just one innings. Devdutt Padikkal offers more options to us. We want to give at least 15-20 chances to every player but it is not possible every time.”

While talking about Bumrah’s selection in the Test series that will start only four days after the Asia Cup 2025 final, Agarkar said they will remain cautious about the senior pacer’s workload management, but duty comes first.

“Normally, his (Jasprit Bumrah) discussions are with physios, trainers and the coach. We want him to do well, he’s a terrific performer but we have to be careful. But the team comes first.”

Shami’s exclusion, Jadjea’s elevation expalined by Agarkar

On Shami once again being ignored, Agarkar added that the 35-year-old will need to play more games in domestic cricket to make a return.

“He (Shami) played a match in the Duleep Trophy, but he’s not had a lot of cricket for the past 2-3 years. I think he played for Bengal and then in the Duleep Trophy. As a performer, we know what he can do but he will need to play some cricket," he added.

Agarkar went on to reveal that Sarafaraz Khan is injured, which is why he was not considered, and also confirmed Shreyas Iyer’s back issues led to his exclusion.

“Shreyas is a senior player, he was captain for India A as well. We’re trying to find the qualities of a leader in multiple players. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be available because of his fitness. More than anything, we want him playing and playing well,” Agarkar said.

While explaining Jadeja’s elevation to vice-captaincy in the absence of Rishabh Pant, Agarkar said: “That was obvious once Rishabh Pant was ruled out. He has lots of experience, you know. I don’t know about Pant’s injury timeline. But he will hopefully be back for the South Africa series.”

Pant is currently recovering from a fractured toe he suffered in the fourth Test in England.