Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, two of Indian Test cricket’s most respected names, have voiced their opinions on the current selection process for the national team. Both believe that Test squad selection should depend entirely on players’ performance in domestic cricket.
IPL Influence and Domestic Players’ Struggles
According to them, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has slowly become the main route to enter the red-ball setup. This trend has left several domestic players frustrated. Even after consistent performances, many find themselves overlooked in favour of players with IPL fame.
Rahane’s View on Karun Nair and Easwaran
Rahane expressed disappointment over the fate of Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Despite strong domestic records, both remain on the sidelines. Karun, who has scored 3128 runs in List A cricket, got only one Test series to prove himself.
Easwaran’s Unfulfilled Potential
Abhimanyu Easwaran has accumulated 3857 runs in 89 List A matches. Yet, he continues to wait for his India debut. However, there is still hope, as reports suggest that he may soon receive an opportunity to represent the country.
The Real Test of Test Cricket
Both veterans emphasised that while the IPL is ideal for spotting T20 and ODI talent, Test cricket demands a different level of grit. Players must prove themselves through long hours in domestic matches to truly earn their place. This approach, they said, ensures that the Test team is built on merit and experience.
