A significant update has emerged regarding India's tour of England. Media reports suggest that Rohit Sharma is likely to remain the captain for the England tour. Additionally, 35 players have been shortlisted across India and India A teams.
The final team selection is anticipated by the second week of May. Sai Sudarshan is being considered as a backup player, whereas Rajat Patidar and Karun Nair are being evaluated for positions 5 and 6 in the lineup, according to TOI. Furthermore, there is speculation about the return of Kuldeep Yadav, a potentially pivotal player for the team.
Reports indicate the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has commenced travel arrangements. Selectors aim to finalize teams by mid-May. A key concern during selection is identifying a middle-order Test batsman for positions 5 or 6. It's believed selectors are considering Rajat Patidar and Karun Nair to address this need. Both could be tested in the India 'A' series, which is set to begin a week after the conclusion of the IPL on May 25. Interestingly, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have not yet been included in this list.
A source from the BCCI explains, "Rohit Sharma is the most probable candidate for captaincy, as the board sees the need for strong leadership during the England tour, similar to the Australia tour. Regarding the middle order, the team management hasn't vested much faith in Sarfaraz Khan. Nair and Patidar are both seasoned red-ball players and are in great form, making it likely for one of them to secure a spot in the India 'A' team. Iyer was sidelined due to poor performance in Test cricket last year. A final decision has yet to be taken. Additionally, Sai Sudarshan is being considered for the role of the third opening batsman for this series.
Will Kuldeep Get His Chance?
Reports suggest that another crucial name on this list is Kuldeep Yadav. Despite being away from overseas Test selections for some time, post-Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement during the Australia tour, selectors might opt for Kuldeep as an aggressive spin option. A set of promising reserve players will also accompany the tour, primarily backup pacers replacing Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, possibly including a few spinners. Selectors are concerned about Mohammad Siraj’s effectiveness as the leading pacer due to Bumrah and Shami's absence. Some regular Test players might be asked to gain match practice through three first-class matches alongside the India 'A' team.
India-England Test Series Schedule (2025)
20-24 June:
First Test, Headingley
2-6 July:
Second Test, Birmingham
10-14 July:
Third Test, Lord's
23-27 July:
Fourth Test, Manchester
31 July-4 August:
Fifth Test, The Oval
