There were several surprises in the Indian test team for England, several courageous decisions and some confused omissions, starting from June 20. For the first series of India after retiring Virt Kohli, R Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, a large 18 -member group was named – which also refers to the beginning of the new cycle of the new World Championship.
As mentioned, SHUBMAN GILL was appointed 37. Test captain in India. The 25 -year -old man was selected before Jasprit Bumrah, who served as a more captain under Rohit Sharma. Wicketkeeper-Batter Rishabh Pant was appointed more captain and signaled a new era for the Indian test team.
Well -known names such as Gill, Bumrah, Pant, Kl Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja have in the group. The remarkable omission is Mohammed Shami, excluded due to fitness fears and Sarfaraz Khan.
Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur will return To test settings for the first time since 2018 and 2023.
Meanwhile Opener Sai Sudharsan and left arm sailor ARSHEEP SINGH received the first test call.
Despite the absence of on -board metals and Rohit, India has gathered a platoon that will hit a balance between youth and experience. However, selectors resisted the urge to remember Cheteshwar and Ajinkya Rahane veterans despite their experience in English conditions.
Squad includes five Frontline Pacers, two fast versatile loads and three spinners.
Many players, including Captain Gill and Novice Sudharsana, also Represent India and – guided by Abhimanyu Easwarean – in three four -day training matches from 1 June.
Indian test group for England Tour
Batters: SHUBMAN GILL (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kl Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwan, Karun Nair
WICKETKEEPERS: DHRUV JUREL, RISHABH PANT (VICE-Capitan)
All-Rounders: Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja
- Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Prazidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
Captain: Why Gill, Not Bumhrah?
Selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir explained that India was planning for the future. By appointing SHUBMAN GILL – who was still established on the test party – they decided to lead a long -term management strategy.
The main selector Ajit Agarkar, who spoke after the announcement of the team in Mumbai, said the team feedback has indicated in the last two years that Gill has the potential of leadership.
“You don’t choose the captains for one or two tours,” Agarkar said.
“We saw an improvement in his leadership – yes, in a T20 cricket with Gujarat Titans – but we take feedback from various sources. We hope he is the right person who leads this team.”
He acknowledged the challenge in a series of five tests in England, but expressed confidence in Gill’s ability to grow in a role.
Agarkar also shared Details of his conversation with Bumhrahwhich has been informed that he will not be considered a captain due to his limited availability.
Bumrah, who continues to control the recurring back, previously served as a vice-chairman and even led India during the Border-Gavascar trophy. But the injury pushed him out of the final of the series in Sydney.
“It is more important to us as a pitch,” Agarkar said. “Captain brings additional requirements. We would rather focus on bowling rather than noting this special burden.
“He understood. We talked to him – he knows his body and wants to do it properly.”
Launch
India included Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaren and Karun Nair in the Back Group while left Sarfaraz Khan. Kl Rahul, Yashsvi Jaiswal and Gill are expected to go beyond most of the score score, hoping selectionists hope that at least one of the newcomers or NAIR can have an impact.
Sudharsan, who accumulated runs across the formats and enjoyed points in the district cricket, could in the first test in rivalry with his debut.
Easwaren continues to enjoy selector support and can appear in a series. As for Karun Nair, Agarkar explained that his experience in the absence of Kohli was a decisive factor in the exclusion of Sarfaraz.
“Karun scored strongly in domestic cricket, has experience in testing and region. When we miss a virat, we do not have a lack of experience in the middle order and felt that his profile was suitable,” Agarkar said.
Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to play a higher role in the management of the tab unit.
The omission of Shreyas Iyera raised his eyebrows, especially after a solid home season with Mumbai. Agarkar, however, indicated that the leadership is still concerned about Iyer’s game against Paka in overseas conditions.
The big question about who replaces the viral Kohli on No. 4 remains unanswered. Agarkar said Captain Gill and coach Gambhir would call it after England.
While Gill is a pioneer that dropped to place 4, the show in India will be taken into account.
All Rounders in abundance
India named four versatile. Shardul Thakur returns, joins Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja.
It will probably be a direct competition between Nitish and Shardul for the place of versatile seams. Despite the modest IPL 2025, selectors can be supported by Nitish.
Diversity in bowling attack
Kuldeep Yadav is the only specialized spinner, and Jadeja is expected to serve as a lonely spinner in XI, as in recent years overseas trend.
The Pace unit looks strong, although it is not expected that Bumrah will play all five tests. Agarkar confirmed that while Bumhrah remains the leader of the attack, it was decided to carefully manage his workload.
Mohammed Shami has not been included, with Agarkar revealed that the higher Pacer is not currently fit enough for the test cricket. The Shami, who fought in IPL 2025 after returning to the Champions Trophy trophies, dealt with more injuries.
India also decided to overlook Harshit Rana and instead decided for Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep. Harshit’s style of hit-the-inch was considered less suitable for English conditions.
Since Bumhrah’s availability was uncertain, Arshdeep Singh was developed inside. The left arm semper was impressive in the cricket of a white ball and had a successful regional Stint, where he showed his ability to swing the Duke ball.
“It is a good handmade, has a regional experience, plays a domestic cricket regularly. He is tall, he can rock the new ball and has built a decent work in a cricket with a red ball over the past few years,” Agarkar said.
“With Bumurah unlikely to play all five tests, we felt the need to add some diversity to attack.”
England vs. India, test series plan in 2025
- 1st test: 20. – June 24 – Headingley, Leeds
- 2. Test: 2 – 6 July – Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3. Test: 10 – 14 July – Lord’s, London
- Test: 23. – 27 July – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th Test: 31.
Published:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
May 24, 2025
