
India has revealed its 18-player Test team for the five-match series against England, a pivotal shift in the team's makeup. With the retiring of the oldest wiz kids Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the longest form of the game, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stepped into a new era by choosing 25-year-old Shubman Gill as captain. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been chosen as vice-captain.
Among the prominent additions are left-handed batsman Sai Sudharsan and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, both getting their first Test call-ups. Sudharsan has been in form in all formats, topping the IPL 2025 Orange Cap with 303 runs from only three domestic red-ball games this season, including dominant double hundred. Arshdeep, who has impressed in white-ball cricket with his incisive left-arm swing, has also established a robust red-ball record with India A, blessed with discipline and seam work during overseas tours.
Karun Nair returns to the Test team after an eight-year absence. The middle-order batsman, who created history by scoring a record-breaking unbeaten 303 against England in 2016, has been appreciated for his steady show in domestic cricket.
The team also includes all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy, but they have left out senior pacer Mohammed Shami, who is struggling with fitness issues. The pace spearhead will be provided by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
India's tour of England for the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle begins on June 20, 2025, with the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. The tour includes games at Edgbaston, Lord's, Old Trafford, and The Oval as well.
This rejuvenated team is a testament to the selectors' efforts to support youthful talent and prepare a future team. With all eyes on the new players and leadership to make memorable contributions as India undertakes this trying tour, the expectations are riding high.