India are set to take on South Africa in a two-match Test series beginning on November 14, and the selection committee’s announcement of the squad has once again sparked discussions. The Ajit Agarkar-led selectors’ panel has picked 15 members in the Shubman Gill-led squad for the couple of Tests. While some key names have retained their places, there have been a few surprising omissions from the squad.
Several consistent domestic performers have been overlooked despite their strong recent form. Here are three players who, based on merit and recent performances, arguably deserved a place in the India squad for the South Africa Tests.
Here are 3 Players who deserved to be in India’s Test squad against South Africa
Karun Nair
Middle-order batter Karun Nair remains one of the most surprising omissions from the Test squad. Although he struggled during the England tour, where he managed just one fifty and failed to convert his starts, his form in domestic cricket since then has been exceptional.
In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, Nair produced many standout performances that earned him a place in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. Returning to represent Karnataka in the ongoing Ranji season, he scored 73 against Saurashtra, followed by an unbeaten 174* against Goa, and a magnificent 233 against Kerala. Such consistent form in red-ball cricket makes a strong case for being re-considered once again.
