India right now are undergoing a transition phase in Test cricket and would look to induct more youngsters into the team ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series.
This means that many of the senior players may have to bid goodbye to their places in the team.
India is currently playing a white-ball series against the West Indies and will then welcome Sri Lanka for a 2-match Test and 3-match T20I series.
India lost their last Test series against South Africa at the latter’s home by 2-1.
They will now look to bounce back from that loss against Sri Lanka at home.
India did start the Test series on a good note by winning the first Test but after that lost the plot completely.
India will also get their new Test captain in the next meeting of the BCCI.
Rohit Sharma is leading the race and will most likely be given the position.
Let’s now take a look as to which players may never play Test cricket for India when they do not get selected.
Ishant Sharma
India’s most senior paceman and capped Test player, Ishant Sharma may well bid goodbye to the national side if he doesn’t find a place in the Test team against Sri Lanka.
He last played a Test match which was the home series against New Zealand in 2021.
Chances are pretty high as per reports that the senior bowler will not make it to the Test squad and it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he calls it quits after the series.
Ajinkya Rahane
India’s ex vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane is the second player who may quit if he doesn’t find a spot in the team.
Rahane has not been able to perform with the bat since 2020 and has been performing rather poorly.
He messed up his chances in South Africa as well.
He may also contemplate retirement from Tests. In fact, he could well take it.
Cheteshwar Pujara
Another senior India batsman who is out of touch in Test cricket will have to make way for youngsters in the team as he too is not performing up to the mark in the longest format of the game.
Chances are high that he too may not find a place in the team and take retirement from Tests.
