New Delhi: India's Test cricket landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, set to commence on June 20, 2025. This series marks the beginning of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle and introduces a new era under the leadership of 25-year-old Shubman Gill, who has been appointed as the 37th Test captain of India.
Gill's appointment follows the recent retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, signaling a generational shift in the team's composition. Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain, bringing his dynamic presence and experience to the leadership group.
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, emphasized the importance of long-term planning in their decision-making process. Gill's leadership qualities, demonstrated during his tenure as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, were key factors in his elevation to the national team's captaincy.
Notably, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was considered for the captaincy but was ultimately not selected to avoid overburdening him, given his crucial role in the bowling attack and past injury concerns. Bumrah remains a vital part of the squad, contributing his expertise and experience
The squad also sees the return of Karun Nair, a Malayali batsman, who makes a comeback after an eight-year hiatus from the national team. Nair's impressive performances in domestic cricket, including scoring 863 runs with four centuries in the Ranji Trophy, earned him a spot in the squad.
Emerging talents have been given opportunities as well, with Sai Sudharsan receiving his maiden Test call-up. The inclusion of players like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Reddy indicates the selectors' focus on building a team for the future.
The bowling department features a mix of experience and youth, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar providing spin options, while the pace attack is bolstered by Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh.
India's tour of England will see matches played at iconic venues, including Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord's, Old Trafford, and The Oval. This series presents an opportunity for the new leadership and fresh faces to establish themselves and set the tone for India's journey in the new World Test Championship cycle.
The full squad for the England tour is as follows: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav.