England are currently on a Test tour of India for the first time since 2021. The last time the English team paid a visit to India was back in the 2020/21 home season of the Indian team. It included four Tests, five T20Is and three ODIs. Most of the matches were played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Indian team was undergoing a slow transition at that time. They were high on confidence after an away series win against Australia. While most fans would remember that India won the series by 3-1, they would not remember that the following five names were in the Indian squad for that series against England in 2021.
1. Hardik Pandya was in the Test squad for series against England in 2021
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has not played red-ball cricket for a long time. Ever since his back surgery, the all-rounder has only focused on white-ball formats. Although he was not 100% fit, the selectors named him in the Test squad for the series against England three years ago. Hardik did not play any matches though.
2. Shahbaz Nadeem was in the Test squad for series against England in 2021
Shahbaz Nadeem made his first-class debut back in 2004, but the veteran left-arm spinner has not made it big at the international level. Nadeem has played only two Tests for India, the last of which came against the English team in Chennai in 2021.
3. Mayank Agarwal
Ever since Shubman Gill became a regular member of the Test team, Mayank Agarwal disappeared from the squad. Agarwal was in the team for the home series against England, but he only warmed the benches.
4. Wriddhiman Saha
Veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha did not receive chances to play once Rishabh Pant established himself as a match-winner in the Test format. Like Agarwal, Saha warmed the benches in all four matches.
