5 Indian players who could make a comeback soon

The Indian cricket calendar is entering a busy phase, and the selectors have plenty of decisions to make in the months ahead. Several players who have been on the fringes are pushing hard for a return to the national side.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 is shaping up as a key audition ground for many of these cricketers. Here is a look at five Indian players who could earn a recall in the near future.

5 Indian players who could make a comeback soon

5. Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran is widely regarded as one of the unluckiest cricketers in recent Indian cricket history. He spent a long time with the Indian squad without receiving his maiden Test cap, and he has since lost his place in the setup across the last few series. A strong showing in the Duleep Trophy 2026 could put him firmly back in contention for a recall. Easwaran has the experience and the technique to succeed at the highest level, and a consistent run of scores in the domestic four-day format would be difficult for the selectors to overlook.

4. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar has represented India in three Tests and one ODI, with his last international appearance coming in February 2024. He is among the star players named to participate in the Duleep Trophy 2026. A strong batting campaign in the domestic setup has kept his name in selection discussions, and a consistent run of performances could make his return to the Indian side a matter of time. Fans have been left surprised after the selectors have been ignoring him despite his success as a batter and a skipper in IPL 2026.

3. Shahbaz Ahmed

Shahbaz Ahmed produced an all-round performance for his zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 quarter-final against North East Zone, which is likely to have caught the attention of the national selectors. The left-arm spinner and lower-order batter has played three ODIs and two T20Is for India. His last appearance in an India jersey came in October 2023. A return to form at the domestic level through the Duleep Trophy and the rest of the 2026-27 season could open the door for a recall across formats.

2. Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson was left out of the squad for a recent three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, with Prabhsimran Singh coming in as his replacement. The Punjab wicketkeeper, however, did not get a game in that series. Reports indicated that Samson was rested rather than dropped. His last T20I appearance came in the fifth T20I against England in July. With Abhishek Sharma being inconsistent of late, Samson’s experience and match-winning ability make him a strong candidate for a return.

1. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami last featured for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. His last Test appearance was the WTC 2021-23 Final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. In the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Shami took 37 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 16.72, with three five-wicket hauls and a best of 8/90. He is also among the star players featuring in the Duleep Trophy 2026, where selectors are expected to monitor his rhythm, seam release and endurance across four-day matches. The upcoming domestic season is seen as very important for his comeback prospects.