Agarkar: “We don’t want a repeat of New Zealand Test series”

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has set a firm tone ahead of the West Indies Tests, calling last year’s 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand a “lesson” and stressing stability in roles, especially at No. 3. He also signalled a “longish” run for B Sai Sudharsan at one-drop and a middle-order lane for Devdutt Padikkal, while confirming Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain.

The clear message

Agarkar framed the two-Test West Indies series as non‑negotiable for World Test Championship points and standards at home. He said the New Zealand result was a wake‑up call and must not be repeated. He emphasised sharper starts, role clarity, and keeping faith with an XI blueprint over both Tests.

“We had a terrible series against New Zealand. Maybe it was a wake-up call. It was a lesson. We don’t want that repeated… We want to try and get as many points as possible, particularly at home.”

Sudharsan to anchor No. 3

India’s search for a long-term No. 3 is set to pivot to Sai Sudharsan. He showed resilience in England and has backed that with recent half‑centuries for India A in the same role. Agarkar said the plan is to give Sudharsan time to build a career at a fixed number rather than shuffle for short‑term balance.

“As far as going forward is concerned, Sai has shown a lot of promise… Hopefully, we can give him a longish run from now on, at a particular number.”

Padikkal’s middle-order runway

With Karun Nair left out, Devdutt Padikkal’s red‑ball surge has opened a middle‑order lane. He returned from injury to score 150 for India A last week and has already debuted in Tests. With Rishabh Pant still out, Padikkal could slot at No. 5 now and later compete for No. 6 alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy once Pant reclaims No. 5.

“Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point… He’s shown some decent form.”

Jadeja elevated, spin core deep

Jadeja’s first stint as Test vice‑captain underlines his centrality at home. India have three spin‑bowling all‑rounders (Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel) plus Kuldeep Yadav as the wristspin strike option. That mix gives India both control and wicket‑taking bite while preserving batting depth down the order.

Pace attack and Bumrah’s readiness

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna headline the seam group, with Nitish Kumar Reddy as a fast‑bowling all‑rounder. Agarkar said Bumrah is available for both Tests, citing a fair break after England and a spaced Asia Cup workload.

“He’s ready and keen to play both Test matches.”

Shami and Ishan: play first to be considered

Agarkar reiterated that proven players still need recent first‑class volume to be picked. Mohammed Shami’s two red‑ball matches across three seasons and Ishan Kishan’s limited recent red‑ball cricket were key reasons they were not considered for now.

“As a performer, we know what [Shami] can do. But he will need to play something.”

Iyer’s red‑ball pause and India A role

Shreyas Iyer has taken a six‑month break from red‑ball cricket to build endurance. He will captain India A in three ODIs against Australia A in Kanpur to sharpen limited‑overs readiness before the next ODI assignment. Agarkar said this leadership call should not be read as a signal for ODI captaincy.

“More than anything, we want him playing and playing well because he becomes a key member in the one-day squad.”

WTC context and fixtures

This is India’s second series of the 2025–27 WTC cycle after a 2–2 draw in England. Home points are crucial in a short, two‑match series. The Tests are scheduled for October 2–6 in Ahmedabad and October 10–14 in Delhi, with spin likely to dominate longer phases in both venues.

India squad vs West Indies (role-wise)

What to watch tactically

• No. 3 bedding in: Sudharsan’s method against hard new ball and early spin.

• Spin sequencing: Using Kuldeep’s wristspin in short, attacking bursts around Jadeja’s control.

• Pace punch: Siraj’s seam and Bumrah’s relentlessness to create early openings that let spinners attack footmarks.