3 Undeserving Players Who Were Picked In India Test Squad for England

In England, India will begin a new era of Test cricket under Shubman Gill during the five-match series. It will also start the fourth cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2027-29. Despite being ahead in the last cycle, their successive series defeats against New Zealand and Australia eliminated them.

The Blue Brigade will feel the lack of experience in the 16-member squad after a long time. Both the former captains, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have retired from the longest format. Ajit Agarkar, the head of the selection committee, revealed that they picked a few players based on their experience.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was in the Indian squad for the South Africa and Australia series, would be the backup opener. The right-handed batter was also present in England during their last trip. Karun Nair has made his return to the red-ball national side.

However, there are a few players who perhaps haven’t done enough to get into the squad. Their inclusions have ruled out a few deserving candidates in the squad.

Here are the three undeserving players who were picked in India’s Test squad for England

1. Sai Sudharsan

Current form is always a vital aspect for a player’s selection. Interestingly, Sai Sudharsan is in fine touch during the ongoing IPL 2025 for the Gujarat Titans.

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The Southpaw is the leading run-getter of the tournament. He has smashed 638 runs in 13 innings at an average of 53.16 and a strike rate of 155.39, celebrating five half-centuries and one century at the best score of unbeaten 108 runs.

However, is it enough to earn tickets for the Test side? Sudharsan’s record in the first-class games is poor. The 23-year-old has smacked only 1957 runs in 49 innings at an average of below 40, with the help of seven centuries and five fifties.

In the past, for any time to get into the Test side, they would have needed an average of at least 50. On one hand, Sudharsan is on the side with an average of 39, while Sarfaraz is not on the side despite carrying an average of 65.61.

2. Aakash Deep

Aakash Deep is another who, even after having the skill of swinging and seaming, the new delivery doesn’t have the pace. The right-arm pacer has picked up 15 wickets in 12 red-ball innings at an average of 35.20.

England’s batters can use the power to smash the Bengal pacer around the park. In his place, Harshit Rana could have been a better option. The Delhi bowler has earned four wickets in three innings in his Test career. However, he has displayed the skill of swinging the ball in various conditions.

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Rana is in better form during the IPL 2025 for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He has bagged 15 scalps in 12 innings at an average of 27.20 and a strike rate of 16.4, with the best figure of 3/25 in an inning.

3. Washington Sundar

In a perfect world, the Indian selectors brought Washington Sundar into the squad for the England series as a replacement for retired Ravichandran Ashwin. Sundar has celebrated 25 Test wickets in 16 innings at an average of 25.64 with two four-wicket and one five-wicket haul.

Sundar is a decent option for India, but not as good as Axar Patel. The latter would have increased the balance of the squad. Patel is also a like-for-like replacement of Jadeja if the veteran picks up an injury.

Moreover, Sundar isn’t expected to feature in any game and will perhaps carry drinks.