India’s Five-Test Series Against England Marks New Era in Indian Test Cricket
The five-match Test series between India and England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, marks the beginning of a new era in Indian Test cricket. This is the first time India will tour England without stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have retired from Test cricket. Led by Shubman Gill and coached by Gautam Gambhir, this young Indian side aims to kick off the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a strong note.
The 18-member squad is filled with young and promising talents. However, due to English conditions and team balance, a few players may have to sit out of the playing XI. Here are three such players who are likely to miss out:
1. Abhimanyu Easwaran – May Have to Wait Again
Despite consistently performing well for India A and in domestic cricket, Abhimanyu Easwaran might once again miss out on the playing XI. He recently scored a solid 80-run knock against England Lions—his seventh fifty for India A.
However, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul almost certain to open the innings, and a competition for the No. 3 spot between Karun Nair and B Sai Sudharsan, there seems to be no slot for Easwaran. Shubman Gill is expected to bat at No. 4, pushing Easwaran further down the pecking order.
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2. Kuldeep Yadav – Conditions May Go Against Him
Left-arm chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has taken 56 wickets in 13 Tests, may not find a place in the XI due to English seaming conditions. Ravindra Jadeja is the frontrunner for the primary spinner’s role.
Even if Jadeja is rested, Washington Sundar may be preferred as a more balanced all-round option. Historically, India has played with only one spinner in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia), which further reduces Kuldeep’s chances.
3. Dhruv Jurel – Likely to Remain a Backup Option
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who impressed with scores of 94 and an unbeaten 53 against the England Lions, is in the squad as a backup keeper. With Rishabh Pant returning from injury and also named vice-captain, he is expected to take the gloves and bat at No. 5.
In Pant’s absence, KL Rahul could also take over the wicketkeeping duties. Additionally, the team might prioritise bowling all-rounders like Shardul Thakur or Nitish Reddy to strengthen the lower order, which limits Jurel’s chances even as a specialist batter.
India’s 18-Member Squad for England Tour:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (Vice-captain/Wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Karun Nair, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
India vs England Test Series Schedule:
- 1st Test: June 20–24, 2025 – Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd Test: July 2–6, 2025 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3rd Test: July 10–14, 2025 – Lord’s, London
- 4th Test: July 23–27, 2025 – Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th Test: July 31–August 4, 2025 – The Oval, London