New Delhi, August 29: In India, domestic cricket performance is a key criterion for selection, especially for the Test team. The selection of players largely depends on their domestic achievements. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has even advised international players to participate in domestic cricket during their downtime. This has led to strict actions against players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer.
However, several players in Indian domestic cricket have consistently excelled yet remain overlooked by selectors. Their statistics indicate that they deserve opportunities to showcase their skills in the Test team over players coming from the T20 format.
Abhimanyu Easwaran: With 8,396 runs at an average of 47 from 114 first-class matches, Abhimanyu Easwaran has reached the Indian dressing room but has been waiting for his chance for the past three years. Despite his experience and impressive record, he has only dreamed of wearing the Indian jersey on the field. He has scored 27 centuries and 36 half-centuries since his first-class debut in 2013, and now at 30, he continues to wait for his opportunity.
Dharmendrasinh Jadeja: With 423 wickets in 100 first-class matches, 121 in List A cricket, and 65 in T20s, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja boasts remarkable statistics. He made his first-class debut in 2013 but has been hoping for a spot in the Indian Test team for the past 13 years.
Shahbaz Ahmed: Having played three ODIs and two T20 internationals for India, Shahbaz Ahmed has been waiting for a chance in the Test team for a long time. He can contribute significantly with both bat and ball, having taken 146 wickets and scored 2,493 runs in 43 first-class matches. He is currently making a mark in the 2026 Duleep Trophy.
Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz Khan has already made his Test debut for India. However, since his debut in 2024, he has only played six Test matches in two years. His batting order has changed frequently in the matches he has played. With an impressive first-class average of 64, Sarfaraz has worked on his fitness and lost weight, yet he has not received opportunities that match his abilities.
Shams Mulani: Regarded as a star all-rounder in Mumbai’s domestic cricket, Shams Mulani has the potential to change the course of any match with both bat and ball. In 59 first-class matches, he has taken 269 wickets and scored 2,577 runs, including one century and 22 half-centuries. In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, he claimed 30 wickets in seven matches. Despite his consistent domestic performance, he remains unnoticed by the selectors.
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