India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently explained why middle-order batter Karun Nair won’t join the Test squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies. Nair made a comeback earlier this year and scored 205 runs across four Tests against England, including a gritty fifty, with an average of 25.62. His last match was the thrilling final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he notched a half-century in India’s narrow six-run victory.
“We honestly expected a bit more from him after four Tests,” Agarkar said. “We’ve talked about giving players one big innings, but right now, Devdutt Padikkal brings something extra to the table. I wish we could hand everyone 15 or 20 Tests, but that’s not how it works.”
Agarkar praised Padikkal’s inclusion, highlighting his solid track record. Padikkal has been part of the Test setup before, including trips to Australia, and he scored a fifty against England in Dharamsala. He’s also shown strong form with India A recently. Nair, known for his iconic triple century in Tests, now steps aside as selectors focus on younger talents like Padikkal to strengthen India’s middle order.
The series kicks off on October 2 in Ahmedabad, with India facing West Indies in two Tests as part of their World Test Championship push.
Selectors surprised fans by naming a full-strength India Test squad, even though Shubman Gill and others are busy with the Asia Cup T20I campaign. No rest for Gill this time—Jasprit Bumrah headlines the attack, and Ravindra Jadeja steps up as vice-captain.
Pacer Prasidh Krishna earns a spot despite a head injury that sidelined him during India A’s second match against Australia A in Lucknow earlier this week. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant sits out as he recovers from a foot injury.
With the Asia Cup final set for September 28, Gill and teammates face a quick turnaround before linking up for Test duties. This bold lineup shows India’s determination to stay competitive in the World Test Championship.
India Test squad: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.
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