Test cricket: 3 comebacks that could help Team India

India’s Test team has been going through a rough patch for a year. A recent five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test at Leeds recorded their ninth loss in the last 11 matches. With the team in a transitional phase, it needs some players back to fix some consistent issues.

While players have delivered individually, the team hasn’t been able to provide the desired results. India’s recent losses, including a rare home series whitewash and a forgettable tour of Australia, have received immense backlash. Some players have performed well for the team in the past and continue to do so for their domestic team. And if given a chance, they will be able to provide a push that the side is searching for.

Three Indian players whose comeback is needed in Test cricket –

3. Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal, who was once a regular member of India’s Test side, has reached a position where he needs to work his way back into contention. Though he hasn’t played for India since March 2022, he has been playing domestic cricket consistently. Since his last Test, he has scored 2447 runs in First-Class cricket at an average of 42.93, with six centuries and 15 fifties.

With India undergoing a transition in the longer format, Agarwal could be a good middle-order option. The top order seems to be fixed with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, but the middle order lacks experience. Appointed as Karnataka’s captain for the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy season, he not only brings batting abilities but a captaincy brain to the table.

2. Jaydev Unadkat

Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat, after making his Test debut in 2010 as a 19-year-old, had to wait for 12 years for his next appearance (the 2023 West Indies tour), a record 118-Test gap. Despite being given limited international chances, Unadkat has become a domestic legend, leading Saurashtra to multiple titles and picking up over 440 first-class wickets with an average under 24. The 33-year-old also actively plays for Sussex in county cricket.

Meanwhile, his experience and left-arm angle could provide something India currently lacks. The current Test bowling attack has witnessed a heavy dependence on Jasprit Bumrah, and with the need to manage Bumrah’s workload smartly, a player like Unadkat could come in and lead the pack.

1. Ajinkya Rahane

Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane might be out of the Indian Test squad since July 2023, but if given a chance again, he could do wonders for the team. With over 5,000 runs in 85 Tests, including 12 centuries, Rahane has immense experience under his belt, which India could dearly use in this transition phase.

While younger players are still getting accustomed to this format and Shubman Gill has just taken over as Test captain, India’s middle order currently lacks a dependable batter. Rahane, who led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 and Irani Cup 2024-25 titles, has been performing consistently in the domestic circuit. Since his last appearance for India, Rahane has featured in 21 first-class matches, with 989 runs at an average of 29.97. He was also named the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, scoring 390 runs in 12 innings.