Chief selector Ajit Agkar made it clear on Thursday (25 September) that both Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan would have to prove themselves to recall from the test team.
The former India all-rounder spoke about the pair, announcing India’s squad for the upcoming two-match testing series against the West Indies. Neither Ishan Kishan nor Shreyas Iyer have been nominated in the squad for the series played next month.
Class Kishan has been out of the team since 2023 tour of South Africa
The latest development has further enhanced the exile of Shreyas Iyer and Ishaan Kishan from the test team. Both batsmen were removed from the Test squad in a controversial fashion last year.
Kishan was selected in the Test Squad for the 2023-24 tour of South Africa, but was asked to be released citing mental fatigue. Later, he decided against playing in the Ranji Trophy, even though the BCCI issued a instruction to do so.
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On the other hand, Iyer last played a Test during the home series against England last year. He was removed from the middle of the Test team through the series and also decided against playing in domestic cricket.
Isit Agkar’s warning for Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer
BCCI was not at all affected by Iyer and Kishan’s decision and decided to leave them from the central contract.
Things have improved in recent times as the two had received their central contracts earlier this year. However, Ajit Agkar has sent a reminder to both the batsmen on time that they need to prove themselves before getting their spots back in the Test team.
Talking to the media during the Squad’s announcement, Agkar explained the reason behind not choosing Kishan as a backup wicketkeeper.
Rishabh Pant is still not fully fit, Kishan was expected to be nominated in India’s squad. However, the selectors ahead of Kishan. Has decided to take Jagadisin.
“When we chose India A, the blasphemy was not fit. When Ishan was not fit, Jagadisin was part of the squad. Ishaan would have to play a little more cricket and show some performances,” Agarkar said.
India is looking for a leader in Shreyas Iyer
He also said about Iyer, “Shreyas is a senior player, he was also a captain for India. We are trying to find the qualities of a leader in many players. Unfortunately, he will not be available because of his fitness. We want to play them and play well.”
Iyer was recently nominated as a captain of India for two four-day matches against Australia A, however, the right-handed batsman requested the BCCI for a break from Red-Ball cricket to work on his fitness. Iyer had to undergo surgery on his back last year and recently felt inconvenience in his back.
