Indian domestic cricket features several seasoned campaigners who have maintained exceptional form over many years, yet struggle to catch the attention of national selectors. The remarkable statistics of these cricketers suggest they deserve priority over players transitioning primarily from the Twenty20 format, especially when it comes to long-form Test selection.
The Long Wait for Abhimanyu Easwaran
Having accumulated 8,396 runs across 114 first-class matches at an impressive average of 47, Abhimanyu Easwaran has managed to reach the Indian dressing room but has spent the last three years waiting for his maiden on-field appearance. Despite his extensive experience and solid domestic record, he has largely remained a spectator dreaming of wearing the official Test jersey on the field. He has notched up 27 centuries and 36 half-centuries in first-class cricket since making his debut in 2013, with his age now reaching 30 while awaiting that breakthrough opportunity.
Dharmendrasinh Jadeja and His Wicket Tally
With an astounding 423 wickets from 100 first-class fixtures, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja has proven his bowling prowess repeatedly. His credentials are further backed by 121 wickets in List-A matches and 65 dismissals in T20s. Having started his first-class career in 2013, he has spent the past 13 years harboring aspirations of a national Test call-up, though a spot in the primary red-ball squad has remained elusive.
Shahbaz Ahmed and All-Round Utility
Shahbaz Ahmed, who has already represented India in 3 One Day Internationals and 2 T20 Internationals, has been eyeing a permanent breakthrough into the Test setup for a prolonged period. Capable of contributing significantly with both bat and ball, he has claimed 146 wickets and scored 2,493 runs across 43 first-class matches. During the Duleep Trophy 2026, Shahbaz has continued working hard to grab attention through his on-field performances, despite not yet breaking into the red-ball international squad.
Sarfaraz Khan and Changing Batting Orders
Sarfaraz Khan has already made his Test debut for India, but the two years following his initial appearance in 2024 have yielded only 6 Test matches. On the rare occasions he was selected, his batting position fluctuated almost every single innings. Maintaining a stellar first-class average of 64, Sarfaraz has focused heavily on improving his fitness and reducing weight, yet these efforts have not translated into consistent selection according to his raw capabilities.
Shams Mulani is widely regarded as a premier all-rounder for Mumbai in domestic circuits, possessing the rare ability to turn a match around with both bat and ball. Across 59 first-class appearances, Mulani has accounted for 269 scalps and accumulated 2,577 runs, including 1 century and 22 half-centuries. During the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, he grabbed 30 wickets across 7 matches. Despite such consistent excellence in domestic tournaments, he continues to seek a firm breakthrough into the national selection radar.
