India’s squad announcement for the 2025 Test series in England has marked the beginning of a bold new era, coming on the heels of the Test retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin. The selection of Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, over more senior figures like Jasprit Bumrah, and several surprising inclusions and omissions, reflect a long-term vision focused on transition, youth, and workload management.
Leadership Transition: Gill Takes the Helm
Shubman Gill, 25, has been handed the reins as India’s 37th Test captain, marking a generational shift. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that this is a future-focused decision, citing Gill’s leadership growth in the IPL and his potential as a long-term leader.
Jasprit Bumrah, although senior and previously vice-captain, was not considered for captaincy due to concerns over his back and workload. Bumrah has reportedly taken the decision positively, reaffirming his priority as India’s bowling spearhead.
Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, makes a full comeback from injury and has been named vice-captain, reflecting the team’s intent to build around players who can stay in the system for years.
Key Inclusions & Surprises
New Faces
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Sai Sudharsan (opener): In-form across formats and seasoned in County cricket. Set for a possible debut.
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Arshdeep Singh (left-arm pacer): Comes in as a swing option; impressed in County and domestic red-ball matches.
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Nitish Reddy (seam-bowling all-rounder): Backed despite a quiet IPL, seen as a future asset.
Notable Returns
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Karun Nair: Returns after 6 years, backed for experience in Kohli’s absence.
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Shardul Thakur: Returns to add depth as a bowling all-rounder.
Notable Omissions & Concerns
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Sarfaraz Khan: Left out despite consistent domestic scores; Karun Nair’s experience cited as the differentiator.
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Shreyas Iyer: Surprisingly excluded after a strong domestic season; selectors concerned over his struggles against pace.
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Cheteshwar Pujara & Ajinkya Rahane: No recalls despite experience in English conditions; selectors looking ahead, not back.
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Mohammed Shami: Not fit; managing recurring injuries.
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Harshit Rana: Ignored due to style not suiting English pitches.
Squad Composition
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Batters: Gill (c), Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sudharsan, Easwaran, Karun Nair
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Wicketkeepers: Pant (vc), Dhruv Jurel
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All-rounders: Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Nitish Reddy
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Pacers: Bumrah, Siraj, Arshdeep, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep
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Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav (specialist), Jadeja (all-round)
With five fast bowlers and three spinners (if you include Jadeja), the squad is balanced for English conditions.
Unanswered Questions
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Who bats at No. 4?: Kohli’s replacement is yet to be decided; Gill himself may drop down the order.
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Can Karun or Sudharsan deliver?: The team needs someone to step up in the middle order.
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Will Bumrah play all five Tests?: Likely not—rotation will be key.
Test Series Schedule – England vs India 2025
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1st Test: June 20–24 – Headingley, Leeds
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2nd Test: July 2–6 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
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3rd Test: July 10–14 – Lord’s, London
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4th Test: July 23–27 – Old Trafford, Manchester
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5th Test: July 31–August 4 – The Oval, London
Before the series, players like Sudharsan, Gill, and Easwaran will participate in India A matches from June 1 under Abhimanyu Easwaran’s captaincy—a chance to test combinations and observe form.
Final Word
This squad signals the beginning of the post-Kohli-Rohit era in Indian Test cricket. With young leadership, strategic selections, and an eye on workload, India are preparing not just for a challenging England tour—but for the next World Test Championship cycle. The transition is real, and its success will depend on how quickly the newcomers settle into big roles.
