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The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a significant tour of England in 2025, with a five-Test series scheduled to take place in June and July. This tour marks a new era for the Indian red-ball side, as Shubman Gill, the 25-year-old Punjab batter, is poised to take over the captaincy. Gill, who has been serving as the vice-captain to Rohit Sharma in ODIs, is expected to lead the team in this crucial away series. The official announcement of the squad is anticipated on Saturday, May 24, following a meeting of the national selection committee in Mumbai. This decision reflects a strategic shift in leadership, with the selectors entrusting Gill with the responsibility of guiding the team in the longest format of the game.
The squad for the England tour is expected to largely mirror the one that competed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia from November to January. However, notable absences will be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both senior players who have recently retired from Test cricket. Their absence creates a void in the team, necessitating the inclusion of fresh talent and the promotion of existing players to fill their roles. The selectors are reportedly considering rewarding Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom have demonstrated exceptional performance in the recent domestic season, with berths in the Test squad. Nair, a seasoned campaigner in the domestic circuit, has been a prolific scorer, amassing 863 runs in nine Ranji Trophy games with four centuries, and 779 runs in eight Vijay Hazare Trophy innings with five centuries. His consistent performance and experience make him a strong contender for a place in the squad. Sudharsan, on the other hand, has been making waves in the IPL, currently leading the run-scoring charts with 638 runs. His inclusion in the India A side for the second match against England Lions further strengthens his chances of being added to the senior squad. The left-handed batter from Tamil Nadu has garnered praise for his solid technique and calm temperament, with Jos Buttler acknowledging his ability, diligent preparation, and strong work ethic.
The potential inclusion of Nair and Sudharsan underscores the selectors' focus on recognizing and rewarding consistent performance in domestic cricket. Nair's inclusion would be a comeback story, having last played for India in March 2017. His domestic form has been undeniable, and this could be his opportunity to reignite his international career. Sudharsan, on the other hand, represents the future of Indian cricket, and his inclusion would provide him with invaluable exposure and experience in the Test arena. The article also sheds light on the possible batting order for the Indian team. While Sudharsan has formed a successful opening partnership with Shubman Gill in the IPL, he is unlikely to open in England. It is understood that KL Rahul has been informally informed by head coach Gautam Gambhir that he will be required to bat upfront. This suggests that Rahul is expected to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order, with Gill potentially moving down to No. 4. This arrangement could potentially open up the No. 3 slot for someone like Sudharsan or Nair.
There was speculation about the possibility of recalling Cheteswar Pujara, given the absence of senior players like Rohit and Kohli. However, the selectors and team management appear to be inclined towards looking ahead rather than revisiting past options. While Sarfaraz Khan might find a place in the squad, Devdutt Padikkal is reportedly not fully fit. The pace bowling attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, and will include Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will provide the spin options, along with their all-rounder capabilities. There might also be a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur. The wicket-keeping duties will be shared by Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, and Kuldeep Yadav is likely to be the lone specialist spinner. The composition of the squad suggests a blend of experience and youth, with a focus on players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
The article concludes with a likely squad list, acknowledging that there may be minor adjustments. The expected squad includes Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rishabh Pant, Druv Jurel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Shardul Thakur, and Kuldeep Yadav. This squad reflects the selectors' intention to build a balanced team that can compete effectively in the challenging conditions of England. The emphasis on all-rounders and a diverse bowling attack indicates a strategic approach to tackling the English pitches. The leadership of Shubman Gill, combined with the experience of senior players and the enthusiasm of emerging talents, promises an exciting chapter for Indian Test cricket.
Source: Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair in contention for place in Test squad