India vs England Test Series 2025: New Era Begins as Gill-Led Squad Set to Replace Retired Legends
Exclusive: Sai Sudharsan, Arshdeep In Line for Debuts; Shubman Gill Likely Captain
Mumbai, May 23, 2025: Indian cricket is poised for a historic transition as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee prepares to announce the squad for the marquee India vs England Test series—a contest marking the dawn of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the end of an era dominated by stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With Sharma and Kohli retiring abruptly from Tests, the spotlight now shifts to young prodigies and fresh leadership, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle in English conditions.
New Captain, New Vision: Shubman Gill Front-Runner
Multiple reports suggest Shubman Gill, the 25-year-old batting sensation and Gujarat Titans’ IPL skipper, is set to take the reins as India’s full-time Test captain. Gill’s proactive leadership in the IPL, coupled with his recent red-ball net sessions showcasing classical technique, has impressed selectors. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant remain strong contenders, with BCCI weighing Bumrah’s workload management and Pant’s aggressive instincts.
“Gill’s maturity and tactical nous make him the ideal choice,” said a BCCI insider. “But Bumrah’s experience in England could be invaluable.”
Squad Overhaul: Debuts for Sudharsan, Arshdeep?
The squad, expected to feature 16-17 players, is likely to include two uncapped talents:
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Sai Sudharsan: The Tamil Nadu batter, lauded for his technical solidity and IPL consistency, could fill Kohli’s No. 4 void.
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Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm swing maestro, a T20 specialist, is tipped for a Test debut amid concerns over Mohammed Shami’s fitness and Bumrah’s workload.
Karun Nair, the 2016 triple-centurion, is also in contention after former selector Sanjay Bangar endorsed his domestic form. “Nair’s experience and hunger make him a perfect fit,” Bangar told ESPNcricinfo.
Key Players Under Scanner
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Jasprit Bumrah: Despite fitness concerns, his ability to exploit English swing keeps him indispensable.
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Mohammed Shami: Struggling in IPL 2025, but selectors value his 300+ Test wickets.
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Rishabh Pant: Eyed for vice-captaincy; his explosive batting could redefine India’s middle order.
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Anshul Kamboj: Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming backs the rookie pacer for his “deceptive seam and bounce.”
Controversy & Challenges
The squad announcement, delayed by two weeks due to Rohit and Kohli’s retirements, has sparked debates. A Sky Sports report claims Rohit wanted to retire mid-series in England, à la MS Dhoni in 2014, but BCCI rejected the proposal.
“Losing Rohit and Virat in one go is a seismic blow,” said ex-captain Sunil Gavaskar. “But this is a golden chance for youngsters to cement their legacy.”
India A Squad Hints at Future Stars
The India A squad, featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Reddy, will tour England concurrently. Gill and Sudharsan will join them after the IPL playoffs, using warm-up games to stake their Test claims.
India A Squad Highlights:
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Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain)
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Ishan Kishan: Wicketkeeper-batter seeking Test redemption.
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Harshit Rana: Delhi’s pace sensation.
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Expert Predictions: Who Makes the Cut?
Former selectors MSK Prasad and Gagan Khoda unveiled their dream XIs, both backing Gill as vice-captain and Bumrah as skipper. Prasad’s squad includes Washington Sundar for spin depth, while Khoda prioritizes KL Rahul’s experience.
MSK Prasad’s Pick:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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KL Rahul
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Sai Sudharsan
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Shubman Gill (VC)
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Rishabh Pant
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Nitish Reddy
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Kuldeep Yadav
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Jasprit Bumrah (C)
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Mohammed Siraj
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Mohammed Shami
England’s Challenge: Can India’s New Guard Step Up?
The India vs England Test series isn’t just about reclaiming the Pataudi Trophy—it’s a litmus test for India’s post-Rohit-Kohli identity. England’s Bazball approach under Ben Stokes will test India’s revamped batting and inexperienced pace attack.
“England’s conditions demand discipline,” warned coach Rahul Dravid. “Our youngsters must adapt quickly.”
When and Where to Watch
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Squad Announcement: May 24, 2025 (Expected)
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1st Test: Lord’s, London (July 10-14)
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Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (India), Sky Sports (UK)
Final Word
As India embarks on its 2025-27 WTC journey, the India vs England Test series symbolizes more than just cricket—it’s a narrative of resilience, reinvention, and the rise of a generation unshackled by past giants. With Gill likely at the helm and fresh faces eager to shine, Indian fans brace for a thrilling new chapter.