India’s Test squad for the England tour is shaping into one of the most critical red-ball transitions in recent history. With the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of Indian cricket’s greatest modern batters, this is truly a post-Kohli-Rohit era, and Gautam Gambhir’s first real test as a leader and selector-influencer.
Top Order and Batting Core
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Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul form a left-right opening combination with form and familiarity from the Australia tour.
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Sai Sudharsan is the surprise No. 3 pick, likely being groomed for long-term success.
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Shubman Gill is the new No. 4, taking over Virat Kohli’s slot. This is a bold yet logical call. His technique against swing will be tested in England, but he’s arguably India’s most complete young red-ball batter.
Reserves: Abhimanyu Easwaran is the only backup opener, while Karun Nair provides middle-order cover—both have been dominant domestically.
Wicketkeeping
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Rishabh Pant is expected to return as the sole first-choice keeper despite his underwhelming IPL, purely on red-ball credentials and match-winning history in overseas Tests.
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Dhruv Jurel, India A vice-captain, remains a strong backup and a long-term prospect.
All-Rounder and Spin Options
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Ravindra Jadeja remains the first-choice spin-bowling all-rounder despite Washington Sundar being favored by Gambhir previously.
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No place for R Ashwin, which signals a clear generational and tactical shift. Spin won’t dominate in England, so a single spinner suffices.
Reserves: Washington Sundar provides a finger-spin option and batting depth.
Pace Attack
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Jasprit Bumrah (VC) and Mohammed Siraj will lead the attack, supported by:
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Prasidh Krishna – tall, quick, and effective in English conditions
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Akash Deep – solid seam movement and bounce
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Nitish Kumar Reddy – rising fast-bowling all-rounder, offering batting depth at No. 6 or 7
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Notably missing:
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Mohammed Shami – fitness concerns
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Arshdeep Singh – not in A team; white-ball priority
Reserves: Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh to ensure rotation and injury cover.
Strategic Shift Under Gambhir
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This squad has Gambhir’s fingerprints all over: youth-heavy, aggressive, and structured to sustain five-day battles in English conditions.
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The emphasis on fit, multi-skilled cricketers, and the phasing out of long-serving veterans suggests Gambhir wants to build a team for the next WTC cycle, not just patchwork a one-off tour.
Probable XI vs England
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
India A: A Shadow Bench in England
The India A squad touring simultaneously in England gives Gambhir a live backup pool, with names like:
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Sarfaraz Khan, Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shardul Thakur, Mukesh Kumar
This setup provides depth, flexibility, and a grooming ground for future Test players.
India’s tour of England could mark the beginning of a new red-ball identity. With a brave, progressive selection and a captain-coach group that values attitude as much as ability, Gambhir’s India will be judged not just on results but on how boldly they embrace this new era.
