India Announces Squad for England Test Series 2025: New Era Begins Under Shubman Gill
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a fresh-looking 18-member squad for the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20, 2025. With the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, this series marks a significant shift in Indian cricket’s red-ball journey—ushering in a new leadership era under Shubman Gill.
🇮🇳 Full Squad for India’s England Tour 2025
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant
- Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair
- All-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar
- Wicketkeeper: Dhruv Jurel
- Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Shardul Thakur
- Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav
🔍 Key Talking Points
1. A New Captain at the Helm
Shubman Gill takes over the Test captaincy, becoming the face of India’s next-generation leadership. His calm temperament, solid technique, and experience at the top make him a fitting successor for the red-ball challenge.
2. Return of Familiar Names
Karun Nair, remembered for his historic triple-century in 2016, makes a surprise return to the squad after a long hiatus. With domestic performances to back his selection, Nair adds depth and experience to India’s middle order.
3. Debut Alert: Sai Sudharsan
The left-handed Tamil Nadu batter receives his maiden Test call-up. Sudharsan has impressed across formats with his solid technique and temperament—qualities that could prove vital in seaming English conditions.
4. Pant’s Return as Vice-Captain
After a prolonged injury layoff, Rishabh Pant returns not only as India’s main wicketkeeper but also as the deputy to Gill. His explosive batting and growing maturity will be key in England’s challenging conditions.
5. Pace Attack Stays Strong
Despite Mohammed Shami being unavailable due to injury, India’s pace unit still looks potent. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the line, supported by Siraj, Arshdeep, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Shardul Thakur, India is well-equipped for English pitches.
6. Kuldeep Yadav: The Lone Frontline Spinner
With conditions in England rarely favoring spin, Kuldeep Yadav stands as the lone specialist spinner. He is expected to partner with all-rounders like Jadeja and Washington Sundar for slow-bowling duties.
🏟 Test Series Venues
The five-match series will take place at some of England’s most iconic grounds:
- 1st Test – Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3rd Test – Lord’s, London
- 4th Test – Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th Test – The Oval, London
🌍 Bigger Picture: Start of the WTC Cycle
This series marks the beginning of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both India and England. Each match will carry crucial points as teams look to secure a place in the WTC final in 2027.
📝 Final Thoughts
With the baton now passed to Shubman Gill and a new generation of cricketers stepping into the limelight, the England tour represents more than just a Test series—it’s the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket. Eyes will be on how this youthful side adapts to swinging conditions and high-pressure situations in England. One thing is certain: exciting days lie ahead for Indian fans.
