As the Indian team is locking horns with West Indies in the ongoing home Test series that began on October 2, the atmosphere is filled with both excitement and curiosity. The two-match series has already started with drama, intensity and a few surprises. But the biggest buzz isn’t just about the cricket on the field, it’s about who is not playing. Several familiar faces have suddenly vanished from the Test squad.
Have their careers hit a roadblock or is this just a pause before a comeback? Here are the reasons behind these unexpected exclusions.
1. Karun Nair – The Comeback That Didn’t Click:
After eight long years away from the Test side, Karun Nair’s return was one of the biggest talking points before the England series. But the fairy-tale comeback didn’t go as planned. In four Tests, Karun Nair managed just 205 runs at an average of 25.62, with a highest score of 57 at The Oval. He often looked solid early on but couldn’t turn starts into big innings.
The selectors reportedly felt his performances were below expectations, especially given India’s strong middle-order competition. Instead, they’ve turned to the in-form Devdutt Padikkal, whose domestic performances have been outstanding. While Karun Nair’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, the message from the selectors is clear, consistency and performance matter more than anything else.
2. Shardul Thakur – The Strategic Omission:
Shardul Thakur, who travelled with the team to England played a couple of matches but his performance was below the mark and because of this, he found himself out of the squad again. However, this doesn’t appear to be a performance-related decision. The selectors seem to be exploring new balance options for home conditions.
With the pitches in India expected to aid spin and favor different bowling combinations, Shardul’s medium pace and lower-order batting might not fit the immediate plan. His exclusion looks more tactical than terminal, he could easily return when conditions demand a seam-bowling all-rounder.
3. Rishabh Pant – Injury Puts Him on the Sidelines:
Rishabh Pant’s absence is not a surprise, though it’s certainly felt. The wicketkeeper-batter fractured his foot on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Manchester while attempting a reverse sweep. The injury ruled him out of the remainder of that series and the one against West Indies.
Rishabh Pant is currently undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. While there’s no timeline for his return, the selectors have made it clear that his place is secure once he’s fully fit. For now, India will have to manage without his aggressive batting and fearless energy behind the stumps.
4. Mohammed Shami – Age is not on His Side:
Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from the West Indies Test squad has raised questions about whether his red-ball career may be winding down. The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar pointed out that Shami “hasn’t played a lot of cricket” in the past two to three years, citing limited appearances in domestic tournaments such as the Duleep Trophy and state camps.
At 35, his declining match activity and age appear to have worked against him.
5. Shreyas Iyer – Currently on a Break
Shreyas Iyer’s absence is not due to selection snub but a deliberate break from red-ball cricket. The batter has requested six months off from Tests to manage recurring back issues — stiffness, fatigue and past surgery have made the long format increasingly taxing on his body.
He informed the BCCI of his decision to skip the West Indies series while reassessing his fitness and workload.
6. Abhimanyu Easwaran – Sent to Regain Rhythm:
Abhimanyu Easwaran was part of the England tour but didn’t get to play a single Test. His exclusion from the main squad for the West Indies series might seem like a setback, but it’s actually a well-planned move. The selectors want him to gain match practice instead of sitting on the bench.
He has been included in the Rest of India squad for the prestigious Irani Cup, a platform that offers quality competition against top domestic talent. A few strong performances there could help him push his case for a future call-up.
7. Anshul Kamboj – Building Experience the Right Way:
Young pacer Anshul Kamboj was among the reserves during the England tour. He made his Test debut in the 4th test in the England series and the exposure to the international setup was certainly valuable. For the West Indies series, however, he has been released to play in the domestic circuit.
Anshul Kamboj has also been named in the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup. The move allows him to bowl long spells, refine his skills and stay match-ready. The selectors see him as a long-term prospect rather than an immediate inclusion.
8. Akash Deep – Time to Lead at Domestic Level:
Akash Deep, another reserve from the England series, has also been omitted from the main squad. Like Anshul Kamboj, he will feature for the Rest of India in the Irani Cup. The selectors want him to lead the pace attack there, a role that will help him develop the mindset required at the highest level.
Akash Deep has shown potential with the red ball and this decision seems designed to give him responsibility and confidence before returning to the Test setup.
9. Arshdeep Singh – Fine-Tuning for the Future:
Arshdeep Singh’s name missing from the Test squad also raised questions but there’s a clear plan behind it. He has been selected for the India A side to play the second and third one-dayers against Australia A. The selectors want him to get more white-ball exposure and refine his control and variations before being reintroduced to the Test format.
This approach reflects a modern strategy — developing all-format cricketers who can adapt and perform across conditions.
A New Phase, Not the End
While some fans fear that these omissions could signal the end of a few careers, insiders suggest otherwise. The selectors seem focused on rotation, fitness and long-term planning rather than harsh judgments. Each decision appears aimed at giving players game time, clarity and the right opportunities to return stronger.
As the India–West Indies series unfolds, eyes will not only be on those performing on the field but also on those waiting in the wings, quietly plotting their comeback stories.
