Azharuddin Questions Indian Cricket Selection Policy for Gill, Sarfaraz, and Nabi
Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has publicly questioned the national selection policy, citing the exclusion of Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Auqib Nabi. He urged for better recognition of domestic performance and emphasized the importance of grooming new leadership in Indian cricket.
Highlights
- •Mohammed Azharuddin questions the exclusion of Shubman Gill from T20 squads despite his strong leadership.
- •Selectors face criticism for overlooking consistent domestic performers like Sarfaraz Khan and Auqib Nabi.
- •The board is encouraged to promote more multi-day domestic games to sustain the quality of Test cricket.
- •Transitioning leadership to Shreyas Iyer and evaluating veteran futures remain central to Indian cricket strategy.
Concerns have been raised regarding the team selection process for Indian cricket, with former captain Mohammed Azharuddin questioning the exclusion of certain players across various formats. The scrutiny centers on the absence of key performers like Shubman Gill from specific squads, as well as the continued non-selection of Sarfaraz Khan and Auqib Nabi for the national Test side.
Shubman Gill, who has successfully led India in both Test and ODI formats, has drawn praise for his individual performance improvements. Azharuddin expressed surprise over Gill being omitted from T20 squads, noting that he is a versatile player who should be considered for all formats. Gill was previously identified as a vice-captain in T20Is before being dropped ahead of the recent T20 World Cup.
Concerns Over Domestic Performance Recognition
The selection policy for Indian cricket appears to be under the microscope, particularly concerning players performing in the domestic circuit. Auqib Nabi, who has demonstrated strong form in red-ball cricket with 44 wickets in the 2024-25 season and 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, remains excluded from the Test setup. Azharuddin highlighted the disconnect between rewarding consistent domestic performance and final team selection, emphasizing that promising talent is being overlooked despite strong statistical records.
The discussion also touched upon the necessity of promoting multi-day matches to maintain the health of Test cricket. According to Azharuddin, India must increase its focus on these formats to prepare players for the evolving challenges of international conditions and pitch variations.
Leadership and Veterans in Focus
The transition of leadership in Indian cricket also remains a key talking point. Shreyas Iyer has received backing to evolve into a proficient T20I captain, with observers noting his tactical intelligence and potential to grow further in the role. Meanwhile, the selectors' decision to move on from Suryakumar Yadav following a successful T20 World Cup campaign has been noted as a signal that consistent current form is being prioritized over historical success.
Finally, the future of veteran players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remains a personal decision for the athletes. Azharuddin stated that these players have made significant contributions to the nation and deserve respect regarding their retirement timelines. The emphasis is on the players themselves, who are best positioned to gauge their physical and mental readiness for continued service at the international level.
