In frame: Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Suryakumar Yadav (Source: AFP)
Off-spin all-rounder Saransh Jain has earned a maiden call-up to the Indian squad for the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka in August.
Washington Sundar will be unavailable for the first Test with a hamstring injury he sustained during the ODIs against England. Sundar’s injury opened the door for Madhya Pradesh’s Jain. It is understood that the presence of several left-hand batters in the Sri Lanka side prompted the selectors to consider him.
His performances did not go unnoticed, and the heroics earned him the Lala Amarnath Award for the tournament's best all-round performer. That breakthrough opened the door to India A selection against England Lions in 2024. He did not disappoint and backed up his growing reputation with half-centuries in both innings.
The 33-year-old was impressive during the recent India A tour to Sri Lanka, where he scored an unbeaten 70 and picked up six wickets in the second four-day game.
Saransh Jain's call-up at 33 open ups doors for senior players awaiting India comeback
It is rare to give a 33-year-old player his debut not only in India but across the world.
Moreover, Saransh Jain's selection to the Indian Test squad at this age shows that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee prioritises immediate domestic merit, tactical readiness, and real-time form over strict age-based rebuilding.
That being said, in this article, let’s take a look at players aged 30 or more who could receive an India comeback after an exile.
5) Suryakumar Yadav: 35 years old
Despite leading India to back-to-back T20 World Cup trophies, Suryakumar Yadav was shown the exit door from India’s T20 squad right before the UK tour in June 2026. The decision was made not because of the captaincy credentials but his declining form as a batter.
In his last 30 innings in the Indian jersey, he only managed 674 runs at an average of 22.467. Smart bowlers stopped feeding him speed, using cutters and slower deliveries early in his innings to induce mistimed aerial shots, further degrading his numbers.
Nonetheless, despite the setback, Yadav continues to prepare with the same intensity. Recently, former India T20 captain shared a video of himself running and batting at the Vasoo Paranjape Cricket Academy on social media just hours after India defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 in the series.
Also read: Who Is The Oldest Indian To Make Test Debut As Saransh Jain Earns Maiden Call-Up At 33?
Despite not being in the current plans, Suryakumar is still eligible for selection if he regularly succeeds in domestic cricket, according to a BCCI source, as the top cricket body has not ruled out a comeback for the former captain.
Moreover, there have been fan-backed demands circulating around Suryakumar Yadav’s comeback to the Indian set-up following India’s dismal performance against Ireland and England.
4) Krunal Pandya: 35 years old
Krunal Pandya is known for his all-round ability and is a gun fielder, despite being in his late 30s. Pandya last represented India during the July 2021 tour of Sri Lanka, featuring in the third ODI on July 20 and the second T20I on July 25 at Colombo (RPS). He has not made an international appearance since then.
Nonetheless, the elder Pandya brother remains hopeful for an Indian team comeback, fueled by his strong all-round performances and back-to-back IPL title victories with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
His strong performance in the recent IPL editions has prompted talks around his India comeback. If he does return to the national squad, it will prove that age is just a number.
3) Yuzvendra Chahal: 36 years old
Premier Indian spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal’s last match for the national side was a T20I against the West Indies on August 13, 2023.
Since Gautam Gambhir joined the Indian coaching setup, team management has favoured multi-dimensional players and preferred other spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, and has omitted him from central contracts and squads.
Nonetheless, he continues to push for a spot through domestic and IPL performances. He remains the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with over 230 wickets.
Moreover, he has publicly spoken about his major lifestyle improvements, including focusing strictly on fitness and sobriety to extend his career.
2) Rajat Patidar: 33 years old
The RCB captain’s India comeback is one of the national demands in 2026. Discussions have openly been going around the same, arguing that the two-tim3 IPL winning captain deserves a national call-up after leading RCB to consecutive titles.
As a batter, Patidar has also been quite impressive. In 2026, he scored 501 runs in 15 matches at a high strike rate of 192.69.
Patidar, who has played for India in ODI and Test formats back in 2024, however, is still awaiting his T20I debut.
Many former cricketers and experts, including his RCB teammate Phil Salt, has spoken about him. The English batter has openly campaigned for his selection for the Indian team.
Thus, a potential return seems to be not too far for Patidar.
1) Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 36 years old
Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a key role in RCB’s back-to-back IPL title-winning campaigns, claiming 45 wickets across the last two editions. His consistent performances helped the franchise end its long wait for a trophy before successfully defending the title.
Veteran Indian spinner R. Ashwin believes India’s current pace attack lacks the experience required for a major ICC tournament and pointed to Bhuvneshwar’s recent success with RCB in the IPL as evidence that the 36-year-old still has plenty to offer.
Indeed, Bhuvneshwar’s IPL performances have made a strong case for his India return. Thus, if considered, his India comeback after a hiatus would be an inspiring story for many.
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