The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the India Test Squad for England 2025, setting the stage for an exciting five-match Test series starting June 20, 2025, at Headingley. This series marks the beginning of India’s next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and with a fresh leadership duo in place—Shubman Gill as captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain—the squad reflects a bold transition in Indian cricket. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having retired from Test cricket, this tour is a litmus test for India’s young brigade. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the squad composition, the leadership choices, fan reactions, and what this series means for India’s Test future.
The Announcement of the India Test Squad for England 2025
On May 24, 2025, the BCCI announced the India Test Squad for England 2025 via a post on X, following a selection meeting in Mumbai. The squad, shared through a vibrant graphic on the BCCI’s official handle (
@BCCI), lists 16 players who will take on England in a grueling five-match series. The announcement came after much anticipation, with the BCCI confirming the selection process in a press release the previous day, stating that a press conference would follow at approximately 01:30 PM IST on May 24. The squad is as follows:
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Rishabh Pant (VC/WK)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Karun Nair
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
This lineup blends youth and experience, with emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy joining seasoned campaigners like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. The inclusion of Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer who fetched INR 18 Crore at the IPL 2025 auction with Punjab Kings, signals India’s intent to bolster their pace attack with variety.
Shubman Gill: The New Captain of the India Test Squad for England 2025
At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill takes on the Test captaincy for the first time, a significant milestone in his career. Gill has previously led India in five T20Is in 2024 and captained the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, but Test leadership is a different beast altogether. His Test batting record shows promise but also areas for improvement—he averages 32 overall, with a modest 20 in overseas conditions. Despite this, the selectors have shown faith in his potential to lead a transitioning side.
Gill’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans, like
@AhmedGT_ on X, believe “Shubman Gill deserves team India captaincy haters can cry only,” citing his composure and growth as a leader. However, others are less convinced.
@Ruha3G called Gill “the most overrated Test cricketer ever,” arguing that he shouldn’t even be in the Test team, let alone captain it.
@MensCricket echoed this sentiment, pointing out that even Bhuvneshwar Kumar has better Test stats than Gill.
Despite the criticism, Gill’s prior leadership experience and his ability to handle pressure—evident in his IPL stints—make him a calculated choice. Sanjay Manjrekar’s comment, “The difference between Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill is that Gill will take you right till the end,” highlights Gill’s temperament, a crucial trait for Test captaincy.
Rishabh Pant as Vice-Captain: A Dynamic Leader in the Making
Rishabh Pant, named vice-captain, is another bold choice by the selectors. Known for his aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping, Pant has also shown leadership potential, particularly during his IPL captaincy with Delhi Capitals. Some fans, like
@Sh2570S, felt Pant was a “deserving candidate” for captaincy over Gill, citing his experience and impact in Test cricket. Pant’s role as vice-captain will be crucial, especially in guiding the younger players and maintaining team morale during challenging moments in England.
Squad Analysis: Strengths and Gaps
The India Test Squad for England 2025 is a balanced one, but it has its share of talking points. The batting lineup features a mix of youth and experience. Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his fearless approach, is expected to open alongside either KL Rahul or Sai Sudharsan, while Abhimanyu Easwaran and Karun Nair provide depth in the top order. However, the absence of Sarfaraz Khan, a consistent domestic performer, has raised eyebrows. Fans like @HitmanCricket and @poserarcher questioned, “Why no Sarfaraz Khan?” and “What did Sarfaraz do wrong?” Sarfaraz’s exclusion points to a potential lack of middle-order options, a concern highlighted by
@poserarcher, who asked, “Why do we have very less options in the middle order?”
On the bowling front, the squad looks formidable. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh form a potent pace attack, with Akash Deep and Shardul Thakur adding variety. Arshdeep’s inclusion is particularly exciting—he’s known for his ability to swing the ball early and bowl precise yorkers, as noted in his InsideSport profile. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav provide spin options, with Washington Sundar offering all-round utility. However, the absence of Mohammed Shami, whose fitness has been a concern post-IPL 2025, is a notable omission. Former selectors like MSK Prasad and Devang Gandhi had advocated for Shami’s inclusion based on his experience, but the BCCI has opted for caution.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The announcement of the India Test Squad for England 2025 has sparked a range of reactions on X. While some fans are optimistic about the young squad, others are skeptical about its readiness for English conditions mentioning the absence of veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, who have historically performed well in England.
On the positive side, the inclusion of players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Dhruv Jurel has been praised. Reddy, an all-rounder, and Jurel, a promising wicketkeeper-batsman, represent the future of Indian cricket. Their performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have earned them a spot, and this series could be a breakout moment for them.
The Road Ahead: Challenges in England
The five-match series in England will be a stern test for this young Indian side. English conditions, with their swing and seam movement, have historically challenged Indian batters, and with Gill and Jaiswal yet to fully prove themselves overseas, the top order will need to step up. The bowling attack, led by Bumrah, will be key—especially in the absence of Shami. Arshdeep Singh’s ability to swing the ball could be a game-changer, but he’ll need support from Siraj and the spinners, particularly in the middle overs.
The series also holds significance in the WTC context. India’s performance here will set the tone for their campaign, and a strong showing could boost their chances of reaching the WTC final again. For Gill, this is an opportunity to cement his legacy as a leader, while for players like Jaiswal, Reddy, and Jurel, it’s a chance to establish themselves as Test regulars.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indian Test Cricket
The India Test Squad for England 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Indian Test cricket. With Shubman Gill at the helm and a squad that blends youth and experience, India is looking to the future while aiming to compete in the present. The series will test the team’s resilience, adaptability, and depth, but it also offers a platform for the next generation to shine. As fans, we can only wait and watch to see if this young side can rise to the occasion and make a mark in England. What are your thoughts on the squad? Let us know in the comments below!
