Indian Test cricketers have a cut-throat competition to earn a place in the playing XI. Only 11 players can make it to the Indian Test team, but there are over one hundred players competing in the first-class arena for those spots.
Generally, the selectors do not give a long rope to the senior players who have not produced any extraordinary performances in the recent past. The Indian team for the first Test against Bangladesh was announced earlier this week, with their non-selection, the following five cricketers’ careers seem to have ended.
1. One of the top Indian Test cricketers – Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has been one of the top players in Tests for the country. The veteran batter is currently busy playing county cricket, but it seems unlikely that he will receive another recall after the disappointing showing against West Indies last year.
2. One of the underrated Indian Test cricketers – T Natarajan
Left-arm fast bowler T Natarajan was one of the heroes for India in their historic Gabba Test match win against Australia in 2021. However, Natarajan has not played a single red-ball game after that due to injuries, which is why his Test career seems to be over.
3. Cheteshwar Pujara
It is clear that India is looking at Shubman Gill as the next number three batter in Tests. There are other players like Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar waiting in the line for that spot as well. Hence, Cheteshwar Pujara seems to have played his last Test.
4. Hanuma Vihari
Hanuma Vihari is another player who played a big role in India’s 2-1 Test series win against Australia. However, after 2022, he has not played any Test matches. It seems unlikely that the senior batter will now make a comeback.
5. Wriddhiman Saha
When Rahul Dravid became the Indian team’s coach, he told Wriddhiman Saha that they are not looking at him in Tests now. Although Dravid has left the head coach’s position now, the new regime has also continued to ignore Saha, which is why his Test career seems over.
