India’s Test Squad for England 2025: The BCCI has officially announced India’s Test squad for the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, set to begin in June 2025. As the cricketing world looks forward to a thrilling series, the Indian team is stepping into a new era of leadership and fresh talent. The selection, revealed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, features notable changes and key decisions that point to a bold and transformative strategy for the red-ball format.
One of the most eye-catching announcements is the appointment of young batting sensation Shubman Gill as the new Test captain. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having recently retired from the format, Gill’s elevation marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in Indian Test cricket. Taking over the reins at just 25 years old, Gill becomes the face of India’s next generation. Alongside him, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed vice-captain, replacing Jasprit Bumrah.
Pant’s return to leadership duties in the Test format comes after a long rehabilitation following his injury, and this move signals the team management’s trust in his ability to lead from the front with both bat and gloves. Meanwhile, Bumrah, who has been India’s pace spearhead, will have his workload carefully managed throughout the tour. According to Agarkar, the star pacer may not be available for all five Tests, especially considering the intense nature of England’s conditions.
Fresh Faces, Key Omissions, and Selection Surprises
The squad features a healthy blend of young blood and experienced campaigners. Several fresh faces have earned their spot in the squad, including left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan and pace bowler Arshdeep Singh. Sudharsan, who has impressed both in domestic red-ball cricket and the ongoing IPL 2025 season, is one of the promising young batters India is banking on for the future. Arshdeep, known for his swing bowling in white-ball cricket, will be tested in the more demanding environment of Test matches in England.
Another all-rounder talent, Nitish Kumar Reddy, has also made it to the squad. His versatility with both bat and ball provides India with additional options in the playing XI. The selectors have clearly prioritized grooming multi-dimensional players who can adapt to various conditions and roles.
However, the announcement didn’t come without surprises. Middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, who made a promising start to his Test career, has been dropped. Reports suggest his struggles against short-pitched bowling, especially in overseas conditions like England, might have influenced the decision. Additionally, Shreyas Iyer, once considered a dependable middle-order option, was also left out despite his recent return to form in domestic cricket.
Another major name missing from the squad is senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Shami is still not fit enough to endure the physical demands of a Test series, especially one as intense as a full five-match tour in England. His absence opens the door for other fast bowlers like Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, both of whom have shown potential in recent outings.
Among the recalled players is Shardul Thakur, whose all-round abilities have proven useful in English conditions before. His ability to swing the ball and contribute crucial runs down the order gives India a flexible option. Also retained is Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent performer in the domestic circuit. While he is yet to make his Test debut, his continued presence in the squad suggests that the management sees potential in his batting temperament and technique.
Karun Nair also makes a return, adding experience and depth to the batting line-up. Known for his triple century in Test cricket, Nair’s inclusion is a sign that the selectors are open to giving proven performers another opportunity on the big stage.
In addition to the confirmed leadership of Gill and Pant, senior players like Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul bring balance to the squad with their experience. Jadeja, with his all-round skills, remains a vital cog in the side, especially in conditions that may assist spin as the series progresses. Kuldeep Yadav, another spin option, provides variation with his left-arm wrist spin.
Here is the full squad for India’s England Test tour 2025:
India Test Squad
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL R
- Rishabh Pant (vice-captain, wicketkeeper)
- Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jade
- Kuldeep Yadav
- And
- Mohammed S
- Akash Deep
- Prasidh
- Then They
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Karun Nair
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Shardul Thakur
- Arsh
With this new-look squad, India is entering the next phase of its red-ball journey. The tour of England is not just another series—it’s a test of resilience, adaptability, and the readiness of a young core to take on leadership and responsibility. The upcoming matches will offer a glimpse into the future of Indian Test cricket, one led by emerging stars eager to make their mark on the global stage.
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