BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar says Sarfaraz Khan’s omission was a difficult choice but backs Karun Nair for his experience and recent domestic form.
May 25, 2025: The Indian Test team is entering a new era as Shubman Gill takes charge for the upcoming five-match series in England, with Rishabh Pant named his deputy. The selection committee faced the tough task of filling the void left by the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
“When guys like that retire, there are always big holes to fill,” said chief selector Ajit Agarkar at a press conference in Mumbai on Saturday. “Ashwin also retired. These three have been stalwarts. It’s a big job and a big transition, but we’re confident that Gill is the right man to take us forward.”
Karun Nair’s surprise recall to the Test squad after seven years comes at the expense of Sarfaraz Khan. Despite Sarfaraz’s century against New Zealand in the first Test of the previous series, Agarkar admitted the decision was driven by team management priorities. “Sometimes it’s decisions the team management takes. Whether it’s fair or unfair, those are the choices you make in the best interest of the team,” he explained.
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“Karun has been in good form for the past couple of seasons. He has some Test experience and has played county cricket, which will help in English conditions,” Agarkar said. “With Virat not there, we’re lacking a bit of experience in the batting order. So we felt Nair’s experience could help us.”
Arshdeep Singh has also been handed his maiden Test call-up, filling in for the not-fully-fit Mohammed Shami. Agarkar highlighted Arshdeep’s domestic experience and recent county stint, saying, “Bumrah is unlikely to play all five Tests, so we needed a bit of variety.”
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Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been picked as seam-bowling all-rounders, with Agarkar optimistic about their contributions. “Shardul is a bowling allrounder, and Nitish is a batting allrounder for now — hopefully, his bowling will come along as well,” he said.
Addressing Shreyas Iyer’s omission, Agarkar was blunt: “Shreyas had a good ODI series and played well domestically, but right now there’s no room for him in the Test team.”
The much-anticipated India-England Test series kicks off on June 20, with both teams bracing for a tough contest in English conditions.
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