Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has backed Sai Sudharsan’s selection in India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match home series against the West Indies, stressing the youngster has shown “a lot of promise” and deserves a longer run.
Announcing the 15-member squad on Thursday, Agarkar underlined that the selectors were committed to investing in young players who had impressed during India’s challenging tour of England earlier this year.
“Big Shoes to fill” as veterans move on
Agarkar praised Sudharsan, who featured in the XI in England, and said grooming emerging players was essential as India gradually transitioned from its golden generation.
Sai has shown a lot of promise, he’s a very good player. Hopefully we can give him a longish run from now on at a particular number.
“When people like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma retire, those are big holes to fill, not to forget Ashwin retired a few months back and Shami hasn’t played for a while now. Those guys, for the last 10 years, have been the key players. A lot of these younger guys showed really good signs in England, which was a tough tour. Hopefully, we can give them time to build their careers.”
Karun Nair misses out, Padikkal recalled
The former India batter Karun Nair was omitted from the squad, with Agarkar stating that the selectors had expected more from him during the England trip. In his place, Devdutt Padikkal has been recalled, having shown form with India A and in previous Test appearances.
Frankly, we expected a little bit more from Karun in the England trip. He’s played four Tests and we’ve spoken about just one innings. It is what it is. We feel Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point. I wish we could give everyone 15 or 20 Tests but unfortunately it doesn’t work that way.
“Padikkal was in the squad earlier, played against Australia, and against England in Dharamsala where he got a 50. He has shown decent form with India A.
”Series begins October 2
India and the West Indies will kick off their two-Test series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2.
