The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an 18-member squad for the five-Test series against England, which kicks off on June 20, 2025. With changes in leadership and squad make-up—it is crucial step for India’s red-ball cricket after the Sharma-Kohli regime. Most importantly, Shubman Gill has now been appointed India’s new captain and Rishabh Pant will be able to serve as the vice-captain and wicket keeper for the team.
This selection marks a bold strategy shift in the direction of youth, balance, and transitional planning—as well as including new and experienced players in the squad. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what this squad can offer and what challenges lie ahead in one of cricket’s toughest learning environments—England.
Shubman Gill – The Young Captain at the Helm
At 25, Shubman Gill will be taking over as India’s Test captain; a decision that reflects the selectors long-term view of the future of Test cricket in India. Gill has already established himself a top performer in white-ball cricket and has shown promise when playing the longest format (tests)—his promotion represents a new era of player in Indian cricket. He is calm under pressure, solid in technique and has demonstrated leadership experience at U-19 and IPL level competitions.
Gill will have the unenviable position of leading India in English territory—often the ultimate litmus for players from the sub-continent in the same way it is for the captains. If Gill’s performances from Australia and an emerging sense of maturity are anything to go by, then he can rise to the occasion.
Rishabh Pant’s Return – The Deputy & Dynamic entity
As important as the rise of Gill, was the return of Rishabh Pant—who will not only sit as the vice-captain but will wear the gloves, finally back after striping a long injury comeback—it will provide experience and a spark in India’s cadre of middle order players. As an explosive counter-attacker, especially in England where he has had good experiences (including his century at The Oval in 2021) will be important to India’s hopes.
He will finally get the chance to lead the next generation of players in an Indian context, drawing on what he has learned from his IPL captaincy stints before, whilst also bringing his fearless character into that role in order to inspire the younger players.
The Batting Core – Experienced and Young
The batting core features a mix of experienced and young players:
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Following an outstanding home season, his combination of technique and aggression makes Jaiswal a likely candidate to open the batting.
KL Rahul: The experience in England would certainly work in his favour as Shubman Gill’s replacement. However, thinking on pure batting ability, one cannot be too excited with KL’s inconsistency.
Sai Sudharsan & Abhimanyu Easwaran:- An opening batsman depth plus the option of Easy at the top-end of the order has long been tipped as a red-ball player by respected commentator.
Karun Nair: A surprise recall. A player with experience who can bat down the order.
Nitish Reddy: A versatile cricketer with talent; his selection gives a strong indication developing bench-strength and energise versatility.
Playing conditions and the Dukes ball will pose the biggest challenge for India; batters will need to apply themselves and accumulate some first-innings scores for their bowlers to attack-the-ball.
All-Round Options: Jadeja & Sundar
Ravindra Jadeja remains a key component of the player group of India’s spin-bowling all-rounder, providing control with the ball and stability with the bat. His experience along with an improved batting average in England environments, Jadeja will have an important role in binding these group of lower middle-order batsmen.
Washington Sundar, also a spin-bowling all-rounder, will be valuable should any wicket starts to turn later in the series, and lower-order batting depth is a bonus.
Fast Bowling Firepower – Bumrah Leads the Attack
Even without some familiar names, India still possess a strong pace attack:
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the attack and will present swing, seam and reverse swing through the later phases of matches.
Mohammed Siraj has established himself as a reliable second seamer, especially when you consider the commitment and tenacity, he displayed, in Australia, and against England.
Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Akash Deep: each possess their strengths as a fast-bowling options, with Arshdeep’s swing, Krishna’s bounce, and recommended Akash Deep’s red-ball experience.
Shardul Thakur, India’s “golden-arm”, will include another option with swing and support as a lower-order batsmen – and who will be of value when playing Tests in England.
Spin & Backup Keepers
Kuldeep Yadav is a wrist spinner which gives a bit of variety, and he will be useful should the pitches offer some turn later in the series. India doesn’t synthetically play two spinners in England, but Kuldeep’s x-factor may not be worth ignoring.
Dhruv Jurel comes along as back up keeper. Jurel will not play unless Pant gets injured, even if he did get selected in the squad, as Pant will definitely play all the matches if fit. However, Jurel does have a red-ball temperament, which is important in selecting players for this tour.
The Venues – Ancient Grounds, Tough Tests
This five-match series will defeat be held at:
Headingly, Leeds – Starts June 20
Edgbaston, Birmingham – Second Test
Lord’s, London – Third Test (From July 10)
Old Trafford, Manchester – Fourth Test
Kennington Oval, London – Last Test
These venues are a thorough test of batting and bowling techniques. Early in the season, seam and swing dominates the wickets, and by some of the later games spin, and reverse swing would come into consideration.
🇮🇳 Direction: A fresh era of leadership
This tour is the start of a new era of leadership in the form of Shubman Gill, and a lot will depend how well he marshals his troops in unfamiliar conditions. The transition from the Rohit-Virat-Ashwin era is not easily achieved, but the make up of India’s squad suggests there is a balanced approach between continuity and bold experimentation.
In order to tackle five Tests played on potential difficult English wickets, individuals will not be enough for India’s success–they will need discipline, adaptability, and intent as partnerships. For Indian cricket followers, this tour will be watched with bated breath as this tour might have a profound impact on the direction of India’s red-ball game for it could set India up for next five years.
Final Thoughts
With a good mix of experience and youth, India’s Test squad is very well positioned to challenge the hosts, England. The comeback of Rishabh Pant, rise of Shubman Gill lead as captain, and potential bowling arsenal creates hope for the trip and a successful series. Remember this series isn’t merely about results, it is to tune for a new era in India’s Test cricket.
