As Indian cricket enters a transitional phase, the upcoming five-match Test series in England (June–August 2025) will be the first real test of the new generation’s ability to carry forward the legacy left behind by modern greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have recently retired from the longest format. The team is expected to be officially announced today, May 24, 2025, after the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, convenes in Mumbai. As per inside reports, Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair are all but confirmed to be included in the Test squad — a reflection of their recent stellar performances in domestic and franchise cricket.
Sudharsan and Nair: Rising Stars Backed by Performance
Sai Sudharsan, who topped the IPL 2025 batting charts with 638 runs, is set to be fast-tracked into the senior team after already earning a spot in the India A squad for the England tour. His compact technique and temperament make him a suitable fit for England’s testing red-ball conditions.
Karun Nair, on the other hand, has made a powerful case for a return with over 860 runs in the Ranji Trophy (including 4 centuries) and 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (with 5 tons). A technically sound batsman who already has a Test triple century to his name, Nair could be a perfect fit at No. 3 — the position left vacant by Gill’s likely promotion down the order.
Leadership Reshuffle: Gill to Take the Helm?
With Kohli and Rohit stepping down from red-ball duties, the captaincy mantle is likely to fall on Shubman Gill, who has impressed selectors with his maturity and leadership potential. Reports also suggest Rishabh Pant is the frontrunner to become the vice-captain, given his past experience and aggressive style of play. Jasprit Bumrah was in consideration for leadership but may miss out due to workload management concerns.
New Look Indian Squad Taking Shape
This tour will be part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, making it crucial not just for rankings, but for team-building. The first Test starts June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. With the team likely to focus on youth, form, and red-ball skills, the expected squad includes: Shubman Gill (likely captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, Sarfaraz Khan as the main batters; Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy as all-rounders; Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeepers; Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Shardul Thakur in the pace unit; and Kuldeep Yadav as the lead spinner. Rahul is expected to open with Jaiswal, Gill may bat at No. 4, and the No. 3 slot could be taken by either Nair or Sudharsan.
A Defining Tour for a Young Squad
The absence of long-time stalwarts gives India a rare opportunity to rebuild with clarity. This is not just another overseas assignment — it’s a defining tour for India’s next generation. Young talents like Sarfaraz Khan and Nitish Reddy will get chances to prove their mettle, and fresh pace options like Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana could play key roles. With five Tests ahead and WTC points at stake, the pressure will be high — but so will be the potential for new stars to rise.
Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era in Indian Test Cricket
This England tour marks a symbolic changing of the guard in Indian Test cricket. With a new captain, fresh talent, and a transitional squad hungry to prove itself, this summer could shape the next five years of Indian red-ball cricket. All eyes will be on how the likes of Sudharsan and Nair step up — and whether the next chapter of Indian Test dominance begins on English soil.