India are set to take on South Africa in a two-match Test series beginning on November 14, and the selection committee’s announcement of the squad has
once again sparked discussions. The Ajit Agarkar-led selectors' panel has picked 15 members in the Shubman Gill-led squad for the couple of Tests. While some key names have retained their places, there have been a few surprising omissions from the squad.
Several consistent domestic performers have been overlooked despite their strong recent form. Here are three players who, based on merit and recent performances, arguably deserved a place in the India squad for the South Africa Tests.
Here are 3 Players who deserved to be in India's Test squad against South Africa
Karun Nair
Middle-order batter Karun Nair remains one of the most surprising omissions from the Test squad. Although he struggled during the England tour, where he managed just one fifty and failed to convert his starts, his form in domestic cricket since then has been exceptional.
In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, Nair produced many standout performances that earned him a place in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. Returning to represent Karnataka in the ongoing Ranji season, he scored 73 against Saurashtra, followed by an unbeaten 174* against Goa, and a magnificent 233 against Kerala. Such consistent form in red-ball cricket makes a strong case for being re-considered once again.
Mohammed Shami
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is another notable absentee from the Test squad. The Bengal bowler missed the tours of England and the West Indies due to fitness concerns, but he has since made an impressive return to form in domestic cricket.
In the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, Shami claimed eight wickets in the match against Uttarakhand, followed by another eight-wicket haul against Gujarat, proving both his rhythm and match fitness. Considering his experience and recent performances, Shami’s omission from the South Africa Tests has raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike.
Rajat Patidar
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has also been in fine touch across formats in the domestic set-up and has showcased strong leadership skills. Despite his recent success, he failed to find a spot in the Test squad. Patidar led the Central Zone to victory in the Duleep Trophy, scoring crucial knocks of 125, 66 (vs North East Zone), and 101 (vs South Zone).
He also captained the Rest of India side in the Irani Cup, where he contributed 66 runs. In the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, he continued his purple patch, scoring an unbeaten 205* for Madhya Pradesh against Punjab, and is currently part of the India A squad facing South Africa A. Given his consistency and leadership across domestic competitions, Patidar’s exclusion from the senior Test squad appears harsh, and he remains a deserving contender.
