The Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic first-class cricket competition, continues to serve as the primary breeding ground for the national Test team. As we look ahead to 2025, several outstanding performers have emerged as genuine contenders for the coveted India Test cap through their consistent excellence in the domestic circuit.
Ranji Trophy: The Traditional Pathway to Test Cricket
Indian cricket has always valued the Ranji Trophy as the ultimate proving ground for Test aspirants. The tournament's rigorous format, challenging conditions, and high-quality competition make it the perfect platform to identify players with the temperament and technique required for the longest format of the game. The selection committee closely monitors performances in this prestigious competition when considering candidates for the national Test squad.
Historically, many of India's greatest Test cricketers, including Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Cheteshwar Pujara, used dominant Ranji Trophy seasons as springboards to international success. The current crop of domestic performers appears equally promising, with three players particularly standing out through their exceptional displays.
The Three Standout Performers
Kumar Kushagra, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in domestic cricket. His remarkable consistency with the bat has turned heads in selection circles. During the 2024 season, Kushagra amassed an impressive 632 runs at an average of 57.45, showcasing both his run-scoring ability and durability at the crease.
What makes Kushagra particularly valuable is his dual role as a competent wicketkeeper and reliable middle-order batter. With the Indian team management always looking for viable keeping options beyond the established names, Kushagra's all-round skills make him a strong candidate for higher honors. His technique against both pace and spin, combined with his mental fortitude in pressure situations, marks him as a player with genuine Test match potential.
Shams Mulani, the crafty left-arm spinner from Mumbai, has been turning matches single-handedly with his bowling performances. The 27-year-old has developed into one of the most potent bowling weapons in domestic cricket, consistently taking wickets across different conditions. His record speaks volumes about his effectiveness and match-winning capabilities.
During the previous Ranji Trophy season, Mulani claimed an extraordinary 47 wickets in just 12 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 24.38. These numbers become even more significant considering they came against various oppositions on different pitch conditions. Beyond his wicket-taking prowess, Mulani has also contributed valuable runs down the order, enhancing his value to any team he represents.
Sai Sudharsan, the elegant left-handed batter from Tamil Nadu, has impressed cricket pundits with his technical proficiency and temperament. Though he has already made his mark in limited-overs cricket for India, his first-class record suggests he possesses the qualities needed for Test cricket success.
Sudharsan has maintained an outstanding first-class average of 57.23, demonstrating his ability to build long innings and convert starts into substantial scores. His technique appears well-suited to the demands of Test cricket, with a solid defensive foundation complemented by a wide range of attacking shots. Having already experienced international cricket through white-ball appearances, Sudharsan appears ready to make the transition to the Test arena.
Selection Prospects and Future Opportunities
The Indian selection committee faces interesting decisions regarding these three performers. With India scheduled to play several Test matches in 2025, including important series on home soil, opportunities could arise for fresh faces to join the squad. The team management has shown willingness to reward consistent domestic performers, making the upcoming Ranji Trophy season crucial for these aspirants.
Kushagra's case becomes particularly compelling given the ongoing search for reliable wicketkeeping options in Test cricket. His batting statistics compare favorably with established international players at similar stages of their careers. The selectors might view him as a potential long-term solution to the wicketkeeper-batter role in the Test lineup.
Mulani offers a different dimension with his left-arm spin, providing variety to an attack that has traditionally relied heavily on right-arm options. His ability to bowl long, controlling spells while taking wickets makes him an attractive proposition, especially in home conditions where spin plays a crucial role.
Sudharsan represents the classic technically-gifted batter who could potentially fill various positions in the batting order. His left-handedness adds balance to the lineup, while his experience in pressure situations through IPL and international limited-overs cricket has prepared him for the challenges of Test cricket.
The road from domestic success to international recognition remains challenging, but these three players have positioned themselves ideally through their performances. The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season will provide them with further opportunities to strengthen their cases and potentially earn that life-changing call to represent India in Test cricket.
