As the cricketing world turns its gaze towards the much-anticipated five-Test series between India and England, starting on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, a new chapter unfolds for Indian cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Test squad, with Shubman Gill stepping into the captaincy role at the tender age of 25, making him the fifth-youngest Test captain in India’s storied history. With Rishabh Pant as his dynamic deputy, India embarks on a tour that promises high stakes and intense scrutiny after the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
This squad selection, unveiled by chief selector Ajit Agarkar in New Delhi, has sparked a wave of excitement and debate. While young talents like B Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh celebrate their maiden Test call-ups, the return of Karun Nair after an eight-year hiatus adds a nostalgic yet intriguing twist. However, the omissions of key players like Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mohammed Shami have left fans and analysts with more questions than answers. Let’s delve into the five burning questions surrounding this squad announcement.
1. Why Was Shreyas Iyer Overlooked?
The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer is arguably the most shocking decision. Despite a stellar Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season with 480 runs at an average of 68.57 and leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 playoffs for the first time in over a decade, Iyer finds no place in the 18-member squad or even the India A setup. Agarkar’s statement that ‘there’s no room in Test cricket’ for Iyer has baffled many, especially given his proven prowess as a match-winner in testing conditions like England’s seaming pitches. Iyer’s last Test appearance was against England in Visakhapatnam in 2024—will his leadership and batting flair be missed?
2. What Happened to Sarfaraz Khan’s Red-Ball Dream?
Once hailed as the future of India’s middle order, Sarfaraz Khan’s continued omission is a bitter pill to swallow. After a sensational debut against England in Rajkot (2024) with back-to-back fifties and a gritty 150 against New Zealand later that year, his exclusion from both the Australia and now England tours raises serious concerns. Agarkar justified prioritizing Karun Nair’s consistent domestic form over Sarfaraz, who has been relegated to the India A squad for the England Lions series. Is this a temporary setback or a fading dream for Sarfaraz?
3. Can Shubman Gill Redefine His Role?
As captain, Shubman Gill faces a pivotal decision—where will he bat? Having often opened or batted at No. 3, will he now anchor the innings at No. 4, stepping into Virat Kohli’s iconic position? With contenders like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and KL Rahul vying for opening slots, Gill’s shift down the order could signal a major transition. Agarkar expressed confidence, stating, ‘We are hopeful Shubman is the guy to take the team forward. It’s a high-pressure job, but he’s a terrific player.’ Can Gill balance leadership with a redefined batting role?
4. Why No Mohammed Shami or Harshit Rana?
The absence of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, ruled out due to fitness concerns, is a massive blow to India’s pace attack. Shami’s experience in English conditions—where he has taken 25 wickets in 8 Tests at an average of 29.04—could have been invaluable. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana, who impressed with four wickets on debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finds himself sidelined as selectors opt for swing specialists like Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. Is this shift in strategy a masterstroke or a gamble?
5. How Will India Navigate the Batting Transition?
With the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India’s batting lineup faces a monumental reshuffle. The opening combination remains a puzzle, with multiple options but no clear favorite. Under Gill’s leadership, the team is poised for what Agarkar calls a ‘massive transition.’ Will the likes of Nitish Reddy and returning Karun Nair fill the void left by legends, or will this inexperience be exploited by England’s formidable pace attack led by James Anderson?
As India gears up for this challenging tour, the squad reflects a blend of youth and selective experience:
India Test Squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
In conclusion, this England tour is more than just a series; it’s a litmus test for India’s future in red-ball cricket. Shubman Gill’s captaincy debut, coupled with unresolved selection dilemmas, sets the stage for a gripping narrative. Will this young Indian side rise to the occasion in the swing-friendly conditions of England, or will the weight of transition prove too heavy? As Headingley looms on the horizon, the cricketing world waits with bated breath for answers to these burning questions.