“The messaging is clear, they are looking at the future” - Former RCB pacer opens up on Karun Nair’s exclusion for West Indies series

Former Indian pacer and analyst Varun Aaron has noted the reasons behind Karun Nair’s exclusion from the forthcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, starting on October 2 in Ahmedabad.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Varun asserted that the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is looking at the young generation of players instead of going ahead with Karun Nair and it was evident from their most recent selections for the India A and Irani Cup.

"I think the stage was set for that change to happen ever since they announced the India 'A' team. It was known that if you are going to play this series, you are going to get a few games to warm up against Australia 'A'. Karun Nair did not feature in that team, he does not even feature for Rest of India, which I find a bit surprising because if somebody has scored that prolifically in the domestic circuit, should get a place in the Rest of India squad. The messaging is clear, they are looking at the future, they are looking at youngsters and looking to groom somebody like Padikkal," Aaron said on ESPN Cricinfo.

Moreover, Varun Aaron has talked about Devdutt Padikkal’s inclusion in the Test squad. Notably, Padikkal is coming into this series on the back of a daddy century against Australia A in the first unofficial Test.

"Padikkal has done the right things. He got a game against England last year, he got a fifty there, did not get too many chances after that. Karun Nair did get four Tests, and when you are making a come back of that magnitude, I'm sure the management expected a few more runs from him," he added.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!