Shubman Gill leads revamped India Test squad for high-stakes England tour

In a landmark move that signals a generational shift in Indian cricket, the BCCI has unveiled a refreshed 18-man squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England, beginning June 20. With Shubman Gill appointed as the new Test captain at just 25, and Rishabh Pant returning as vice-captain, the stage is set for a bold new chapter in the country's red-ball journey.

Two fresh faces — Tamil Nadu’s stylish left-hander B Sai Sudharsan and Punjab’s left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh — have been handed their maiden Test call-ups, adding youthful energy to a team in transition. The squad also sees a resurgence for Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur, as selectors recalibrate the lineup following a wave of high-profile retirements.

This is India’s first Test assignment since the departures of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, and Virat Kohli from the longest format. The baton has been passed, and with it, the expectations of a cricketing nation rest on the shoulders of a newer generation.

At the selection committee meeting chaired by Ajit Agarkar in Mumbai, Gill was officially named captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma, who stepped away after a string of lackluster performances, most notably in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Agarkar clarified that while Jasprit Bumrah remains integral, his vice-captaincy was reconsidered due to workload concerns, given the demanding five-Test stretch.

India's batting unit now hinges on a mix of flair and experience, featuring Gill, Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and comeback man Karun Nair. Youngsters like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sudharsan signal a deepening bench of red-ball talent, while Dhruv Jurel fills the second wicketkeeper’s role.

The bowling attack blends seasoned speed with promising youth. Bumrah leads the pace battery, supported by Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and debutant Arshdeep Singh. The spin department is led by Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, with support from allrounders Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Notably absent is Mohammed Shami, who is still recovering from ankle surgery and has not yet resumed full red-ball training. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan, Harshit Rana, Tanush Kotian, and Devdutt Padikkal—part of previous Test tours—have been left out.

The historic series marks India’s entry into the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle, with matches scheduled across England’s iconic venues—from Headingley to The Oval. Before the Tests, India will face India A in a warm-up match in Beckenham from June 13–16.

India test squad for England tour (2025):

Shubman Gill (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, B Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Arshdeep Singh.