Opener Rohit Sharma is expected to retain his captaincy for India’s five-Test tour of England. News agency PTI reported that Sharma, if fit, would continue to lead the side despite two disappointing outings against New Zealand and Australia in the second half of 2024.
If reports are to be believed, India’s squad for the Test series against England will be announced in the second week of May. PTI reported that there will be at least six contenders for a couple of reserve middle-order slots.
During the tour of Australia, the BCCI had sent a 17-member squad, but for the five Tests against England, the final squad could be trimmed to 15 or 16, as the presence of the India A contingent makes it easier to call up reinforcements if required.
Changes are expected, as several players from the domestic circuit have performed exceptionally well in the recent Ranji Trophy season. Karun Nair, who impressed in both red- and white-ball formats, is likely to be given a chance on the A tour and could potentially be drafted into the Test squad.
If everyone is fit, then Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli will be automatic selections in the Test side. The all-rounder’s slot is expected to remain with Nitish Kumar Reddy for the time being.
While no names have been finalised, at least six players are expected to be in serious contention, according to PTI. One, if not two, could break into the senior squad, while the others will likely feature in the India A series against the England Lions, which will run concurrently.
Players in the mix for the Test series vs England
B Sai Sudharsan:
With seven centuries in 29 first-class matches, Sai Sudharsan is a strong contender even in red-ball cricket. He has already made a name for himself with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Selectors will closely monitor the left-hander for his solid technique, and he also performed well for India A in Australia before picking up an injury. His ability to bat both at the top and in the middle order gives him added value. At 23 and a half years old, he looks ready for the big stage.
Shreyas Iyer:
Shreyas Iyer 2.0 is a much-improved red-ball player, returning with a tighter technique and a more confident approach to handling short-pitched bowling. Experience will be vital in England, and with 14 Tests under his belt—including one in England in 2022—Iyer could be a valuable addition. Since being dropped from central contracts, he has played extensively in domestic cricket and looked composed. Whether he gets another opportunity in the Test format remains to be seen.
Rajat Patidar:
Based purely on recent stats, Patidar may have missed his chance at Test cricket, having failed to register a single fifty against England at home. However, he remains one of the most elegant batters outside the current setup, with a wide range of strokes. His elegance, though, can sometimes be his undoing. After a modest Ranji season with under 450 runs, it’s unclear whether Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee will take a leap of faith.
Karun Nair:
One of only two Indian batters to have scored a triple century in Tests, Karun Nair lost his way before rediscovering form with Vidarbha. His stellar domestic season saw him amass over 850 runs. A few seasons ago, he tweeted, “Dear cricket, give me one more chance,” and the England tour might just be that opportunity. In 2018, he failed to impress then-coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli in net sessions, but 2025 could script a different story for the Bengaluru man.
Devdutt Padikkal:
A stylish left-hander who got his Test debut in Australia due to Rohit Sharma’s absence, Padikkal showed glimpses of potential in a solid second-innings stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal. He’s in good touch in the IPL and, even if he doesn’t make the senior squad, he’s expected to feature prominently in the India A team.
Sarfaraz Khan:
After scoring 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October, Sarfaraz looked to have secured his place in the Test side. However, some poor shot selection in subsequent matches pushed him down the pecking order. He was mostly a tourist during the Australia tour and wasn’t seriously considered for the playing XI. Still, for the sake of continuity, the selectors might give him another look.
(With PTI Inputs)
