Ajit Agarkar Openly Challenges Shreyas Iyer And Ishan Kishan, Warns Of Uncertain Future

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, on Thursday (September 25), made it clear that both Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan would have to prove themselves to earn a recall from the Test team.

The former India allrounder spoke about the duo while announcing India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies. Neither Ishan Kishan nor Shreyas Iyer has been named in the squad for the series that will be played next month.

Ishan Kishan has been out of the Team since the South Africa tour of 2023

The latest development has further extended Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan's exile from the Test team. Both batsmen were dropped from the Test squad last year in a controversial fashion.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Kishan was picked in the Test squad for the 2023-24 South Africa tour but asked to be released, citing mental fatigue. Later, he decided against playing in the Ranji Trophy even though the BCCI issued a directive to do so.

On the other hand, Iyer last played a Test during the home series against England last year. He was dropped from the Test team midway through the series and he too decided against playing in domestic cricket.

Ajit Agarkar's warning for Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer

The BCCI was not at all impressed with Iyer and Kishan's decision and decided to drop them from the central contract.

Things have improved in recent times as both of them received their central contracts earlier this year. However, Ajit Agarkar has sent a timely reminder to both the batsmen that they need to prove themselves before getting their spots back in the Test team.

Speaking to the media during the squad announcement, Agarkar explained the reason behind not selecting Kishan as a backup wicketkeeper.

With Rishabh Pant still not fully fit, Kishan was expected to be named in the India squad. However, the selectors have decided to pick N. Jagadeesan ahead of Kishan.

"When we picked India A, Ishan Kishan wasn't fit. Jagadeesan was part of the squad when Ishan wasn't fit. Ishan will have to play a bit more cricket and show some performances," said Agarkar.

India is looking for a leader in Shreyas Iyer

He also spoke about Iyer, saying: "Shreyas is a senior player, he was captain for India A as well. We're trying to find qualities of a leader in multiple players. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be available because of his fitness. More than anything we want him playing and playing well."

Iyer was recently named as the India A captain for the two four-day matches against Australia A. However, the right-handed batsman requested BCCI for a break from red-ball cricket in order to work on his fitness. Iyer had to undergo surgery on his back last year and he recently felt discomfort in his back.

Also Read: Rest of India Squad for Irani Cup 2025 announced; Ruturaj Gaikwad deliberately made Rajat Patidar's deputy