Due to the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, two key spots in the Indian Test team are now vacant. Their exit comes just before India’s crucial five-match Test series against England, scheduled from June 20 to August 4. This series holds major importance in the context of the World Test Championship (2025–27). With the squad announcement expected soon, there are some big questions on the minds of fans and selectors alike. The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is set to meet on May 19 to discuss the team and possibly mark the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket.
Who Will Be the Captain?
Shubman Gill is currently the front-runner for the captaincy, though Jasprit Bumrah is also in the race. Some believe KL Rahul could be a wildcard entry for the leadership role. Gill (25) enjoys support from teammates, selectors, and the coaching staff. He is seen as a calm and dependable player who is growing into a leadership role, despite concerns over his overseas batting form.
Bumrah, on the other hand, proved his leadership capabilities during the Australia tour. He earned respect from his teammates and captained India in the rescheduled fifth Test against England in 2022, and later during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25. However, his recurring back injuries are a concern, making it unlikely for him to play all five Tests in England. One possibility is that Bumrah is named captain and Gill vice-captain, with both sharing leadership responsibilities. Rishabh Pant is also reportedly in contention.
Who Will Partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the Top?
KL Rahul’s success as an opener in Australia has made him a leading contender to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Initially picked for the middle order, Rahul opened in Australia due to Rohit’s absence and performed well. He has previously done well as an opener in England, scoring 597 runs in nine Tests at an average of 37.31, including two centuries.
Other contenders include Abhimanyu Easwaran and B Sai Sudharsan. Easwaran, a highly experienced first-class cricketer from Bengal, has often travelled with the Test squad but is yet to debut. Sudharsan, a left-handed batter from Tamil Nadu, impressed with a century on first-class debut and has been consistent in IPL and county cricket. He has scored 1397 runs at an average of 42.33 in 33 innings as an opener in first-class cricket. Both are part of the India A squad heading to England and Easwaran will lead the side.
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Who Will Bat at No. 4 in Kohli’s Absence?
Cheteshwar Pujara recently said that there’s no clear candidate to replace Kohli at No. 4. Kohli took over the position from Sachin Tendulkar in 2013 and made it his own. Rahul and Gill are considered the top contenders for the spot now.
Rahul batted at No. 4 in the Hyderabad Test against England earlier this year, scoring 86 and 22 before injury ruled him out of the series. Gill hasn’t batted at No. 4 in Tests, but he has good numbers there for India A – 287 runs at an average of 143.50 in three innings. If Rahul opens, Gill might be pushed to No. 4, allowing Sudharsan to slot in at No. 3.
Will Nitish Reddy Be Included in the Squad?
Nitish Reddy was the fourth-highest run-getter in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and scored his maiden Test century at the MCG. Though he underperformed as a bowler, his batting earned praise. If England conditions support seamers, he could fill the role of the fourth pace option.
Shardul Thakur is another strong contender due to his all-round performance in domestic cricket. He has played four of his 11 Tests in England and has fond memories from the Oval in 2021, where his twin fifties helped India win. Both Reddy and Thakur are part of the India A squad touring England.
Which Pacers Will Be Picked?
A large fast-bowling pool is necessary for a five-Test series, especially considering the fitness concerns of Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. It’s unlikely both will play all matches. Alongside them and Mohammed Siraj, others in contention include Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Harshit Rana. Left-armers like Khaleel Ahmed, Arshdeep Singh, and Yash Dayal are also potential picks.