Why India’s Test Squad Has Yet to Reward These First‑Class Leaders

The Indian cricket establishment looks to the Ranji Trophy and other first‑class tournaments as the benchmark for Test selection. Yet, even after years of stellar statistics, five cricketers are still awaiting a call‑up.

Abhimanyu Iyer’s record reads like a Test handbook: 8,396 runs, a 47 average, 27 hundreds, and 36 fifties from 114 matches. Despite being 30 and having spent three seasons on the sidelines, his debut remains elusive.

All‑rounder Dharmendra Singh Jadeja, a 2013 debutant, has taken 423 wickets in 100 first‑class games, added 121 List‑A scalps and 65 in T20s, and still finds himself on the outer edge of selection for 13 years.

Shahbaz Ahmed, who already wears the Indian jersey in ODIs and T20Is, boasts 146 first‑class wickets and 2,493 runs from 43 matches. His recent contributions in the 2026 Duleep Trophy have kept his name in the conversation.

Sarfaraz Khan’s Test experience is limited to six matches since his 2024 debut. A first‑class batting average of 64 and a disciplined fitness regime have not translated into more opportunities.

Shams Mulani, Mumbai’s all‑rounder extraordinaire, has amassed 269 wickets and 2,577 runs in 59 first‑class contests, including a century and 22 half‑centuries. His 30‑wicket haul across seven matches in the 2025‑26 Ranji season underscores his match‑winning capability.

These cases highlight a growing debate: should the Board place greater emphasis on proven first‑class contributions, or continue to prioritize emerging T20 talents when shaping the Test side?