Cricket fans always expect a lot from Team India as soon as it steps onto the field, especially in a crucial series such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). But what has been seen here is that a key number of players are missing from the current Test series, which not only affects India's team but also brings a sense of balance in playing skills. This article looks closer at the top players who are not part of the current Test series and how their absence could affect the team's performance. Cheteshwar Pujara Image Source: PTI The biggest miss in the Indian team for the BGT 2024-25 was the solid batter Cheteshwar Pujara. He has done a really good job for the Indian team in the Australian conditions, but he was not rewarded for his brilliance on the Australian soil. His absence turned very horrible for the Indian team as they were struggling to stay on the crease and play long innings. India missed the solidity and dependency of Pujara at number three. Indian tried Shubman Gill in his place, but he could not stand up for his team. Also Read | 5 Fresh Faces India Should Consider for the England Series Ajinkya Rahane Image Source: ICC Another big player whose absence impacted the Indian team in BGT 2024-25 a lot, as the Indian batting was really struggling against the Australian bowling lineup. In the middle order, nobody could make runs for the Indian team. Rahane’s absence resulted in less solidity in the middle order, and that was the main reason for India to lose the series. He has always done really well in Australia; if he had been in the squad, the story would have been different for the Indian team. Mohammed Shami Image Source: Associated Press The Indian fast bowler was another big miss from the Indian squad; he was out of action after the 2023 World Cup, but he recovered really well. But, still, after gaining match fitness, he was not selected for the remaining matches of the BGT, and we could see the impact of the absence of the star bowler. Only Jasprit Bumrah was looking threatening, and other bowlers could not even support him in a proper way. Shami’s presence in the last few matches of BGT could have created some more fruitful moments for the Indian team. Axar Patel Image Source: BCCI The allrounder was also another big miss from the Indian squad for BGT 2024-25, and his absence really impacted the Indian team badly. He could have been very handy with the bat and the ball as well in the Australian condition. He has also been in great form in all the departments of the game, whether it is bat, ball, or fielding. He has contributed really well to the Indian team in the tough conditions. He could have been a better option than other sinners because he can get wickets using the bounce on the Australian pitches. If Indian had picked him, he surely could have created some impact with his all-round performances. Also Read | Akashdeep Singh Biography: Family, Career, Records, IPL - All Details Shardul Thakur Image Source: Associated Press Now many of you will be shocked to see the name of Shardul Thakur on our list, but trust me, he was also a big miss from the Indian team for BGT 2024-25. In the last BGT, he played a very important role for the Indian team to win the series. In the very important match at Gabba, he batted beautifully and also bowled a good spell. The same kind of performance was missed in the Indian squad this time. Indian was missing his ability to break big partnerships as he has the luck factor to pick wickets on the crucial occasions. He could have surely created the difference with his all-round abilities in the BGT 2024-25. Conclusion The absence of key players in a crucial series like the BGT is always felt, especially for their experience and match-winning abilities. Though the current team is talented, it will take collective effort and determination to fill those gaps. As fans, we hope the team rises to the challenge and delivers a memorable performance.