India men’s team chief selector Ajit Agarkar discussed the leadership potential of Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer in the 50-over format. During a press conference on Thursday, September 25, while announcing India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies starting October 2 in Ahmedabad, Agarkar was asked about Iyer.
Earlier, the BCCI had named India A’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia A, with Iyer appointed as captain. Speaking on the 30-year-old, Agarkar highlighted that Iyer already leads his IPL franchise, Punjab Kings, and added that India A matches provide the selection panel a chance to assess a player’s leadership abilities. Agarkar stated:
“I don’t think we’ve discussed the 50 format. At the moment we had to pick the team for these two Test matches. Look, Shreyas is a senior player. He obviously leads his franchise in IPL cricket. He’s one of the senior guys. He was captain for India A as well. It’s not like because of that we are looking at him as a Test captain. So, you are trying to find qualities of a leader in a lot of people, and India A sort of gives us an opportunity to see if somebody has that ability.”
Ajit Agarkar also spoke about Iyer’s choice to step away from red-ball cricket for six months citing fitness reasons, stressing that the team hopes he remains active and contributes in ODI cricket. He added:
“Unfortunately, I think the statement was put out already with regards to his fitness in terms of red-ball cricket. He won’t be available, and that gives us a chance. I mean, he’s been a key player in one-day cricket over the last few years. So, he gets three games before we go to Australia, and more than anything, we want him playing and playing well there because he becomes a key member in the one-day squad.”
“Jadeja Among Team’s Top Performers, Named West Indies VC”- Ajit Agarkar
During the same discussion, Ajit Agarkar spoke about Ravindra Jadeja being named vice-captain in Rishabh Pant’s absence, with Pant missing the squad due to injury. Agarkar added that the wicketkeeper-batter is expected to return for the South Africa series in November. He remarked:
“I mean, that’s essentially the reason I think Rishab is the vice-captain at the moment and a key player, but unfortunately hasn’t quite recovered to make this particular Test series. We’re hopeful that he’ll be available for South Africa. And Jadeja has been one of your top performers. So, with a lot of experience, that’s essentially the reason.”
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