Mohammed Azharuddin Critiques Selection Decisions in Indian Cricket

In a recent interview, former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin raised concerns about the exclusion of Shubman Gill from the T20 format and the non-selection of Sarfaraz Khan and Auqib Nabi for the Test team. He praised Gill's captaincy and performance, questioning the rationale behind his omission. Azharuddin also highlighted the need for greater recognition of domestic players and emphasized the importance of Test cricket in the Indian cricketing landscape. His insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of player selection and the future of Indian cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 23:44 IST

Azharuddin Questions Player Selections

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin has expressed his concerns regarding the exclusion of Shubman Gill from the T20 format, as well as the non-selection of Sarfaraz Khan and Auqib Nabi for the Test squad.

Azharuddin praised Gill, who has been leading the team in Tests and ODIs, stating that he has managed the captaincy exceptionally well and should not have been omitted from any format.

Gill, previously the vice-captain for T20Is, was left out of the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

In an exclusive interview, Azharuddin remarked, "Gill is managing the captaincy role effectively. His individual performance has significantly improved. He is among the top players; I fail to understand why he isn't selected for T20s."

He further emphasized, "He is a valuable player across all formats and should never have been dropped from any team."

Azharuddin also highlighted that both Sarfaraz and Nabi have not received recognition for their outstanding performances in domestic cricket.

He stated, "Auqib Nabi is an excellent red-ball bowler and a skilled swing bowler. It saddens me that despite taking numerous wickets over the last two years—44 in the 2024-25 season and 60 in 2025-26 in the Ranji Trophy—he still lacks a spot in the Test team. This is quite disappointing."

He added, "These players have consistently excelled in domestic cricket. Everyone emphasizes the importance of domestic cricket, but what is the point if their performances go unnoticed? When their age catches up, they are given a chance to perform. While Nabi may not excel in T20, it is crucial to recognize his potential in Test cricket."

Azharuddin stressed the need for India to engage in more Test matches, stating, "There is no cricket without Test cricket. It serves as a true test of skills, as conditions and pitches vary, which is why it is termed Test cricket."

He believes that the board is making efforts but advocates for greater promotion of multi-day games.

Azharuddin also expressed support for Shreyas Iyer, suggesting he could excel in the T20I captaincy role, saying, "He has performed admirably and deserves this opportunity. I believe he can develop into a strong captain."

He noted, "Iyer possesses a sharp cricketing mind, and I am confident he will evolve into an exceptional player over time."

While Azharuddin acknowledged the selectors' decision to remove Suryakumar Yadav from both the captaincy and the squad, despite leading the team to a historic third T20 World Cup victory, he emphasized the importance of consistent performance.

He stated, "Consistency is key; performances matter significantly. With many young talents emerging, one cannot solely depend on past achievements. Continuous performance is essential."

The former captain remarked that the decision to retire from international cricket should ultimately rest with players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

He concluded, "This is a personal decision, as players must determine when they feel ready to step away. Both are immensely talented and have contributed greatly to the nation."

Azharuddin added, "Players are aware of their physical condition, mental resilience, and how their performance is impacted. Both have served the country admirably and deserve respect."