4 Young Talents Who Deserve a Test Call-Up: Could They End India’s Batting Crisis

India’s Test batting line-up is struggling even in home conditions. After a 3–0 whitewash against New Zealand last year, Team India now faces the threat of another clean sweep—this time from South Africa. The inability to chase even modest targets and the repeated failures against both pace and spin have exposed deep cracks in the batting unit.

But hope lies in domestic cricket, where several young batters have been piling up runs consistently. These players have shown maturity, technique, and temperament—qualities India desperately needs in the longest format. Here are four promising talents who deserve an early opportunity in Test cricket:

1. Ravichandran Smaran – Karnataka

The 22-year-old right-hander has emerged as one of Karnataka’s most dependable batters since his debut in 2024.

• Runs: 1,179
• Innings: 19
• Average: 78+
• Hundreds: 4
• Fifties: 3
  Usually batting at No. 4, Smaran’s ability to handle both spin and pace with authority makes him a strong contender for India’s middle order.

2. Yash Dhull – Delhi

The former U-19 World Cup–winning captain continues to shine in domestic cricket.

• First-class Runs: 2,777
• Matches: 38
• Average: 47
• Hundreds: 9
• Fifties: 10
  Dhull brings temperament, consistency, and leadership—qualities that could strengthen India’s fragile batting line-up.

3. Yash Rathod – Vidarbha

The backbone of Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy–winning campaign, 25-year-old Yash Rathod has been in exceptional form.

• First-class Runs: 2,449
• Average: 61
• Hundreds: 9
  Rathod’s ability to play long innings makes him a perfect fit for Test cricket.

4. Rinku Singh – Uttar Pradesh

Though known for his explosive hitting in T20 cricket, Rinku Singh’s red-ball record is equally impressive.

• First-class Runs: 3,677
• Average: 59+
• Hundreds: 9
• Fifties: 22
  His adaptability, shot selection, and temperament could add much-needed depth to India’s batting order.