The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the senior men’s squad for the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20, 2025. Marking a new era in Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the Test captain, with Rishabh Pant stepping in as his deputy and wicketkeeper.
A New Leadership Era Begins
With the recent retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, Indian cricket finds itself at the dawn of a new chapter. The selectors have placed their trust in Shubman Gill, one of the brightest young talents, to lead the team in English conditions. Rishabh Pant, returning to full fitness, assumes the role of vice-captain and primary wicketkeeper, signaling a youthful, dynamic leadership group.
India’s squad for England Test
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC, WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
Notable Inclusions and Exclusions
- Karun Nair returns to the Test squad after a long hiatus, rewarded for his stellar domestic performances.
- Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh are among the fresh faces, reflecting the selectors’ focus on youth and form.
- Mohammed Shami and Sarfaraz Khan miss out, with Shami sidelined due to fitness concerns.
- Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar provide crucial all-round options, while Kuldeep Yadav strengthens the spin department.
Test Series Schedule: Dates and Venues
The five-Test series will be played at iconic English venues. Here’s the complete schedule:
| Test | Dates | Venue | City | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | June 20–24, 2025 | Headingley | Leeds | 3:30 PM |
| 2nd | July 2–6, 2025 | Edgbaston | Birmingham | 3:30 PM |
| 3rd | July 10–14, 2025 | Lord’s Cricket Ground | London | 3:30 PM |
| 4th | July 23–27, 2025 | Old Trafford | Manchester | 3:30 PM |
| 5th | July 31–Aug 4, 2025 | Kennington Oval | London | 3:30 PM |
Major Talking Points
1. Leadership Transition
The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have created a leadership vacuum, now filled by Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. This marks the beginning of a new era, with a focus on nurturing young talent and building a team for the future.
2. Fresh Faces and Comebacks
Karun Nair’s return is a major headline, as he last played a Test in 2017. Youngsters like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have been rewarded for their impressive domestic and IPL performances.
3. Bowling Attack
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the pace attack, with support from Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Shardul Thakur, and Arshdeep Singh. The absence of Mohammed Shami due to fitness issues is notable, but the squad boasts depth and variety.
4. Spin and All-Round Options
Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav provide flexibility in the spin department. Jadeja and Sundar’s all-round abilities will be crucial in English conditions.
What to Expect: India vs England Test Series
The series marks the start of India’s new ICC World Test Championship cycle. England, led by Ben Stokes, will pose a formidable challenge at home. For India, this tour is not just about winning in tough conditions but also about establishing a new core group of Test cricketers.
Key Players to Watch
Shubman Gill: All eyes will be on the new skipper as he leads India in a full-fledged overseas assignment.
Rishabh Pant: His return to Test cricket and leadership role adds firepower to the batting and stability behind the stumps.
Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead’s form will be vital to India’s chances in English conditions.
Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan: Their performances could shape the future of India’s middle order.
FAQs: India’s Squad for England Test Series 2025
1. Who is the captain of India’s Test team for the England series 2025?
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain for the England series.
2. Who are the new faces in India’s Test squad for England?
Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh are among the new inclusions, while Karun Nair makes a comeback after a long gap.
3. Why are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not in the squad?
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have announced their retirements from Test cricket, paving the way for a new leadership group.
4. When does the India vs England Test series start?
The first Test begins on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds.
5. Who are the wicketkeepers in the squad?
Rishabh Pant is the primary wicketkeeper and vice-captain, with Dhruv Jurel as the backup.
Conclusion
India’s squad announcement for the England Test series 2025 signals a bold new era, with Shubman Gill at the helm and a mix of youth and experience in the ranks. As the team embarks on this challenging tour, fans can look forward to exciting cricket, fresh faces, and the promise of a new generation stepping up to the Test arena. The countdown to June 20 has begun—cricket enthusiasts, mark your calendars!