India Test Squad for England 2025: A New Era Begins

As India embarks on its 2025 Test series against England, the landscape of Indian cricket is undergoing a significant transformation. With veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping back from the longest format, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a fresh squad that blends emerging talents with experienced campaigners. This five-match series, part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship, will commence on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds .

Highlights of the Squad

Leadership Transition

The most notable change is the leadership role. KL Rahul is set to take over as the Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma. Rahul's consistent performances and leadership qualities make him a suitable candidate to lead India in challenging overseas conditions .

Debutants to Watch

The squad features several promising players poised to make their Test debuts:

• Sai Sudharsan: A stylish left-handed batter from Tamil Nadu, Sudharsan has been in prolific form in domestic cricket, amassing over 800 runs. His technique is well-suited for English conditions, and he is expected to open the batting .

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: Known for his consistency across formats, Gaikwad is set to bolster the middle order.

• Mayank Yadav: A promising pacer, Yadav could step in for Mohammed Siraj, adding depth to the fast-bowling unit.

• Tanush Kotian: An off-spinner with an all-rounder profile, Kotian might replace Ravichandran Ashwin, bringing variety to the spin department.

• Saurabh Kumar: A left-arm spinner who has been making waves in domestic cricket, Kumar's inclusion adds balance to the squad .

Experienced Campaigners

Despite the influx of new talent, the squad retains several experienced players:

• KL Rahul: The new Test captain, Rahul's leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through the series.

• Rishabh Pant (WK): Pant continues to be India's wicketkeeper-batter, known for his aggressive style and match-winning capabilities.

• Shreyas Iyer: After a period of uncertainty regarding his place in the squad, Iyer's recent domestic form has earned him a spot. His experience and adaptability will be valuable in the middle order .

• Shardul Thakur: Thakur's all-round abilities make him a key asset. His experience in English conditions, having taken 30 wickets and scored three fifties in Tests played in England, showcases both his bowling and lower-order batting prowess .

Fast Bowling Unit

The pace attack is spearheaded by:

• Jasprit Bumrah: One of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, Bumrah's pace and precision will be vital.

• Mohammed Siraj: Known for his swing and seam movement, Siraj's role will be crucial in English conditions.

• Prasidh Krishna: With 88 wickets in 24 first-class matches, Krishna's height and bounce can trouble English batsmen .

• Harshit Rana: A promising pacer, Rana made his debut in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and has shown potential in limited-overs formats .

Squad Overview

Conclusion

India's Test squad for the 2025 series against England marks the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket. With a blend of seasoned players and exciting debutants, the team is poised to take on the challenges of English conditions. The leadership of KL Rahul, coupled with the talents of emerging stars, sets the stage for an exciting and competitive series.