India announced an 18-member new-look squad for the five-match Test series of England earlier in the summer to start the new World Test Championship Cycle (WTC) for 2025-27.
However, after three Tests played, four members of the squad are yet to get their opportunity to feature in the playing XI.
Among the unused names in the 18-member squad are Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh, both of whom have been part of the discussions among fans and experts.
Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties at Lord's in the absence of injured Rishabh Pant, while Abhimanyu Easwaran continues to wait for his long-awaited Test debut.
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With two Tests remaining and India performing reasonably well in the series, it is unlikely that every squad member would get a chance to play.
Speaking on the matter, India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has revealed the management's conversations with these players.
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India wants to keep Kuldeep, Arshdeep and Easwaran ready to play
In preparation for the upcoming Test at Old Trafford, where India will look to level the series 2-2, Ten Doeschate spoke about keeping players ready for any opportunity that arises in the series.
With Karun Nair yet to make a significant impact in the first six innings of the series, a window of opportunity could open up for the likes of Easwaran or Jurel to slot into the middle-order.
Jurel's chances, however, will also depend on how Pant's injury heals after he did not take the field on with the gloves at Lord's.
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"We have an 18-member squad, which is a bit larger. So for us it is about giving as much attention and care to the guys who aren’t playing and making sure they get quality practice between Tests," said coach Ten Doeschate.
Talking to them about why we are going with certain combinations, why we are not … hoping that they’re in the right frame of mind and obviously physically and technically ready to play Test cricket when the chance comes," he added.
On the bowling front, Arshdeep might feature in one of the final two matches of the series where Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested to manage his workload.
Kuldeep's chances, however, look bleak as of now, with the team preferring Washington Sundar as the second spinner for his batting prowess lower down the order.
Who are the unused players in India's squad vs England 2025?
There are 4 players yet to feature in the series from the Indian squad. Along with that, Sai Sudharsana and Shardul Thakur played the first Test but eventually made way for others, citing team combinations.
Below is the list of unused players from the Indian squad:
- Abhimanyu Easwaran - Top order batter;
- Dhruv Jurel - Wicketkeeper;
- Kuldeep Yadav - Left-arm wrist spinner;
- Arshdeep Singh - Left-arm pacer.