When the BCCI drops a new squad announcement, it’s like Christmas morning for cricket fans—half excitement, half over-analysis. The upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies might not be the most high-profile battle, but it tells us a lot about where Indian cricket is headed in the post-Rohit and Kohli era. Ajit Agarkar and his selection committee made some interesting calls, leaving fans with plenty to chew on.
The Karun Nair Chapter Might Finally Be Over
Remember Karun Nair and his remarkable triple century against England in 2016? For some time, that innings looked like it had secured a position for him in India’s long-term thinking. However, come 2025, it feels like the end of the line has come for him. Agarkar was also open about the management looking for better performances from Karun during the England series, where he only made one half-century in four Tests. At 33 with no secondary skill to offer, his case becomes even weaker.
India’s New Test Core Looks Surprisingly Stable
When Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin bowed out, the cricketing world expected chaos. Transition phases are usually messy, but this squad tells a different story. After a tough yet fruitful tour of England, India seems to have found a blueprint for the future.
The batting order is phenomenal. It features Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal – all very young but have maturity beyond their years. Washington Sundar is a two-for-one as he can bat in the top five and also offer the needed off-spinner to help compensate for Ashwin’s absence. On the fast-bowling side, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were exceptional in England – both exhibited that they can handle the pressure of big games. Add in Jasprit Bumrah’s experience, and a balanced group emerges.
The Backup Opener Situation is a Headache
Here’s where things get tricky. Agarkar confirmed that Abhimanyu Easwaran didn’t make the cut, and N. Jagadeesan could open if required. But let’s be honest—India doesn’t really have backup openers ready for Test cricket. Right now, it’s Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the top, with Padikkal and Sudharsan more suited to the middle order. That leaves India in a risky spot. What if Rahul picks up an injury? What if Jaiswal goes through a lean patch?
The Ranji circuit has produced consistent openers, but none have broken into the India A mix yet, which is usually the pipeline for the senior team. Considering Rahul is already 33 and Jaiswal has a heavy workload across formats, the selectors can’t afford to treat this issue lightly. Without a solid succession plan at the top, India could find itself scrambling in future tours where conditions demand specialist openers.
What do you think—should the selectors have backed a specialist opener like Easwaran, or is India right to gamble with flexibility for now? Drop your thoughts below, because this debate is just heating up.
FAQs
1. Why is Karun Nair unlikely to feature in India’s future Test plans?
His recent performances in England were underwhelming, and India is prioritizing younger players.
2. Who are the main batters forming India’s new Test core?
Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal.
3. What role does Washington Sundar play in the Test squad?
He offers flexibility as a top-order batter and a handy off-spinner.
Disclaimer: TThis blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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