Mohammad Shami (Source: BCCI/twitter/X)

India suffered another Test series defeat at home, going down 2-0 to South Africa in Guwahati on November 26. This marked their second home Test series loss within a year, raising serious questions about their red-ball setup.

With the World Test Championship cycle heating up and several challenging assignments ahead, India must now look beyond the current squad structure and rebuild with stronger, more consistent performers. Reinforcements are needed across departments, and a few deserving players must return to the Test setup to bolster experience and stability. Here are three players who should be brought back into India’s Test team.

Here are three players India should bring back in the Test team Rajat Patidar Rajat Patidar (Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar is one of the most deserving candidates for a Test recall. Although he has featured in only three Tests for India, his domestic record tells a compelling story. Patidar has also displayed strong leadership qualities, guiding Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title.

He scored two centuries and two fifties during the tournament, underlining his consistency in red-ball cricket. He also struck a half-century in the Irani Cup and smashed a double hundred against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy, showcasing his resilience. His technique make him a strong contender to strengthen India’s middle order.

Mohammed Shami

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami remains one of India's finest red-ball bowlers, with 229 wickets in 64 Tests. However, injuries and fitness concerns have kept him out of the Test setup lately. Shami made a strong return in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, taking 20 wickets in four matches and displaying impeccable control. His ability to strike in any condition makes him invaluable, and his comeback could significantly boost India’s pace attack, which has lacked experience and consistency in recent months.

Sarfaraz Khan Sarfaraz-Khan. (Photo source: X)

Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan is another player who deserves to be back in the Test side. He has played six Tests, scoring one century and three fifties, but his domestic numbers are even more impressive. With an average of 63.15 and over 4863 runs in 60 first-class matches, Sarfaraz has consistently dominated red-ball cricket. Despite being in sublime form, he has been overlooked recently. His ability to play long innings makes him a strong candidate for the No. 5 spot and a crucial asset for India’s middle order.