Shubman Gill has been named the new captain of India’s Test team. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar announced an 18-member squad on Saturday for the upcoming Test series against England. At just 25 years old, this will be Gill’s first time leading India in international cricket. While he still has to prove himself in overseas conditions as a batter, the team management has shown great trust in him by handing over this big responsibility.
Rishabh Pant has been named the vice-captain, while Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan have been picked in the squad. Karun Nair had an outstanding domestic season for Vidarbha. He was in top form, scoring plenty of runs in both the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Shami Ruled Out, Shardul Returns as India Revamps Squad for England Series
Shardul Thakur also returned to the squad. Mohammed Shami was deemed unfit by the Medical Team. Hence, the pacer won’t be making a trip to the UK. Sarfaraz Khan and Harshit Rana have been dropped from India’s squad for the series against England.
“Mohammed Shami is not fit, and he can’t manage his workload in Test cricket at the moment. Shami has been ruled out of the series. The medical team told us that his body was not capable of handling the pressure of red-ball cricket. There is no point in taking a bowler whose fitness is not up to the mark,” Ajit Agarkar said while speaking to reporters.
Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran has been picked as a backup opener in the squad. He will also be leading India A in their upcoming matches against the England Lions. The three spinners in the team are Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.
Bumrah’s Workload to Be Managed, Won’t Play All Five Tests Against England: Agarkar
The pace department comprises Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. Agarkar also confirmed that Bumrah won’t be playing all five Tests against England as his workload will be managed by the physios.
“Jasprit Bumrah won’t be available for all five Tests against England from what physiotherapists have told us,” Agarkar said.
Squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wk and VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav.
India Tour of England 2025 – Test Series Schedule
| Test Match | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | June 20 – 24 | Headingley |
| 2nd Test | July 2 – 6 | Edgbaston |
| 3rd Test | July 10 – 14 | Lord’s |
| 4th Test | July 23 – 27 | Manchester |
| 5th Test | July 31 – August 4 | Kennington Oval |
ALSO READ: IPL 2025 Playoffs: Qualifier 1 Scenarios for All Four Teams Explained
