The burgeoning competition among cricket players for spots in the Indian Test team is a positive sign for Indian cricket. However, effectively nurturing young talent to become impactful quickly is crucial, especially with the World Test Championship final on the horizon next year.

Young, ambitious cricketers are emerging from every corner of India, each one brimming with confidence and skill. While they may appear harmonious on the field representing India, the competition for the limited spots in the Test team is intense.

In boxing terms, some players resemble “street fighters,” having honed their skills in challenging conditions rather than through formal training. Many recent and emerging Indian cricket stars have risen from humble beginnings to become “prize fighters” who excel under pressure.

Examples like Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Hardik Pandya, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and even the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni illustrate this journey from uncharted territory to cricketing success. These players share a resilience that enables them to navigate and thrive amid challenges.

The current Indian cricket landscape is full of such talent, making team selection increasingly complex for the selectors. Historically, Indian cricket has struggled with making bold decisions regarding player selection, often opting for safer choices to avoid criticism. It’s time for selectors to break this pattern.

Cricket in India is now a profession requiring immense dedication, hard work, and focus. It’s perplexing to see promising young cricketers benched when senior players return. For instance, the three Indian debutants who shone against England in the recent Test series—Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel—are likely to be sidelined for the series against Bangladesh in favor of K.L. Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja.

While Jadeja’s inclusion is understandable for added spin in Indian conditions, replacing the young talents with established players seems unfair. A notable example is Karun Nair, who was dropped immediately after scoring a triple century, a rare achievement in Test cricket. Cricket, like many aspects of life, requires mental fortitude and consistent confidence. Once disrupted, regaining that confidence can be challenging, as seen with Nair.

Although K.L. Rahul and Rishabh Pant have contributed significantly in the past, the series against Bangladesh presents an ideal opportunity to develop the next generation of players. The “Khadoos” attitude, often associated with Mumbai cricketers, signifies an unyielding focus and determination. This mindset has contributed to the success of Mumbai players like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, and Sarfaraz Khan.

This Mumbai attitude is increasingly evident in players from other regions, reflecting a broader sense of determination and focus crucial for Test cricket. Domestic performances are often seen as stepping stones to international cricket. Sarfaraz, Padikkal, and Jurel have all excelled domestically and for India, making their sidelining, particularly against Bangladesh, disheartening.

To ensure the future success of Indian cricket, it is vital to integrate these young talents into the team rather than letting their potential go untapped.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal.)