5 players who could replace India’s current Test regulars

India’s Test setup has traditionally relied on a settled core, but the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle has brought fresh competition for places across the squad. Injuries, rotation and a string of impressive domestic performances have opened the door for several players waiting in the wings.

A number of cricketers have strengthened their claims through consistent form, squad inclusions and standout performances in first-class cricket. With India constantly looking to build depth and identify long-term options, these players could soon find themselves with a chance to make the step up.

Here’s a look at five cricketers who could replace India’s current Test regulars and hold their own at the highest level:

5. Smaran Ravichandran

Smaran Ravichandran is a right-handed middle-order batter who has been making a strong case for himself in Indian domestic cricket. He finished as the leading run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy 2026, piling up 950 runs during the tournament.

Such a prolific campaign is difficult for selectors to overlook, particularly with India constantly looking to strengthen their middle-order depth. Ravichandran’s consistency across an entire Ranji season also highlights his temperament and technique, two qualities crucial for succeeding in first-class cricket.

The next challenge will be to replicate that form in the Duleep Trophy and other first-class fixtures. If he continues to churn out runs, Ravichandran could soon find himself knocking on the doors of the national side.

4. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan has had an eventful 2026. He was named as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan, who was ruled out of India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka with a right toe injury, with the call-up announced on August 9, 2026. In six Tests so far for India, Sarfaraz has scored one century and three fifties, showing he can convert starts at the highest level.

His 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign was equally productive, with 429 runs in nine innings at an average of 53.62. A right-hand bat who also bowls leg-breaks occasionally, Sarfaraz brings genuine all-round value to the middle order. His first-class record and Test returns make him a credible option whenever a middle-order vacancy arises.

3. Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel is a right-handed wicket-keeper batter from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, born on January 21, 2001. He made his Test debut on February 15, 2024, against England and has since played 10 Tests, scoring 478 runs at an average of 34.14, including two centuries and two fifties. Jurel was projected to bat at No. 6 for India in the series against Sri Lanka ahead of Sarfaraz Khan, and he did not disappoint.

His keeping skills add an extra dimension to his selection case, and his ability to contribute with the bat in the lower-middle order has been noted by selectors. At 25, Jurel has time on his side and the technical foundation to cement a long-term place in India’s Test XI.

2. Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal is a left-handed top-order batter from Kerala who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket. Born on July 7, 2000, he made his Test debut against England in March 2024 and has now given India plenty to be excited about with a sensational run in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka.

Padikkal announced himself in style in Galle, smashing his maiden Test century and finishing with a match-defining 167 in the first innings. He followed it up with a composed 44 in the second innings to earn the Player of the Match award as India took a 1-0 lead.

The Karnataka batter then raised the bar again in Colombo, registering his second successive Test century. His 117 on the opening day of the second Test came despite early chances and showcased his composure, shot-making and ability to absorb pressure.

1. Manav Suthar

Manav Suthar has been nothing short of sensational since making his Test debut for India. The left-arm spinner announced himself with a six-wicket haul on debut against Afghanistan before producing another match-winning performance against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Suthar returned figures of 4/76 in the first innings before following it up with a stunning 6/55 in the second, finishing with a ten-wicket haul as India secured a 165-run victory. 

With his accuracy, ability to extract turn and knack for bowling long spells, Suthar has quickly emerged as a serious option in India’s spin department. If the team management eventually looks beyond Kuldeep Yadav, the 24-year-old could be an ideal replacement as the second spinner alongside Ravindra Jadeja.