Failure to cement a place in India's Test squad despite being in the game for eight years is Ajit Agarkar's biggest regret but the paceman believes that his ability to get wickets with the old ball will now help him to strengthen his claim for a Test slot.

Agarkar said frequent injuries and the team management's preference for an additional spinner in home matches had hampered his Test career which has seen him play just 28 matches since his debut in 1998-99.

The emergence of a host of promising fast bowlers will make his task even more difficult but the Mumbai speedster sees it as a "healthy development" as it will put pressure on him to perform.

"It's a healthy development. It's very good for the team, the advent of two or three young pacers who have done well. They are all between 22 and 24 years in age and the future looks good", Agarkar told PTI in an exclusive interview.

"More competition is always good for the team as well as for individuals as you know you have to keep performing," the 28-year-old bowler said.

Agarkar felt not having had an extended run could be one reason why his record in the longer version of the game was not as impressive as the one-dayers.

"I have not got many Tests in a row. Injuries are part of the reason, while the preference of others, including an extra spinner at home, over me is another," he said.