As the cricket calendar turns to summer, excitement is building for India’s Test Squad for England Tour 2025, a 5-Test showdown beginning June 20. A blockbuster schedule is set – the first Test runs June 20–24 at Headingley, Leeds, and the series will conclude August 4 at The Oval, London. With big names missing or rumored to retire, fans are on the edge of their seats. The very identity of the squad is a mystery. Who will make the final cut? Speculation is rife in every dressing room, and we break down the burning questions.
Will KL Rahul Return?
Ever since his quadriceps injury ruled him out of four Tests in England (and sidelined him again in India’s series against England earlier this year), there has been endless debate over KL Rahul’s fitness. The silver lining: coaches and selectors still consider Rahul a “main pillar” of India’s batting. Assuming he recovers from the long rehab, he is widely expected to reclaim one of the opening slots. India Today’s analysis even lists Rahul and young Yashasvi Jaiswal as the most likely new-ball pair. In short, if Rahul can prove himself fit in nets and practice matches, he’ll almost certainly be back at the top of the order. Fans will watch his comeback campaign in domestic cricket with bated breath.
Is Rishabh Pant Finally Fit?
Perhaps the greatest comeback story is that of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. After a horrific car crash in late 2022 that left him in the hospital, Pant’s road back has been nothing short of miraculous. Former India coach Ravi Shastri even called his recovery “a miracle” after Pant returned to competitive cricket. In fact, by September 2024 he was named in India’s Test squad (against Bangladesh) – almost two years after his last Test. Pant went on to tour with India’s World Cup-winning T20I squad as well. Now, leading up to the England tour, selectors will be closely monitoring his return to form. If Pant rediscovers the fearsome touch that once had him averaging 62 on tours abroad, expect him to don the gloves and play a key role.
Who Will Open the Batting?
With Rohit Sharma reportedly retiring well before this series, a new opening pair is in the making. All indications point to Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside Rahul. India Today notes that Rahul and Jaiswal “are expected to open” together, having batted well on tour in Australia. Both are left-handed strokemakers in form, and Rahul even has prior success opening in English conditions. If Rahul struggles for fitness, the question mark is whether someone like Shubman Gill (who would drop down to No. 3) or even veteran Cheteshwar Pujara might fill in. But most pundits agree that Rahul–Jaiswal is the leading combo on paper, with Gill providing backup (and possibly the leadership) just below them.
Who Will Lead the Pace Attack?
India’s seamers will be front and center, especially as England’s batsmen prepare for lively pitches. Jasprit Bumrah – India’s ever-reliable strike bowler – is almost guaranteed a spot. He’s been named one of the “main pillars” of the side. Mohammed Siraj, who spearheaded India’s attack in recent Tests, is also a virtual certainty. Beyond those two, the fast-bowling positions are up for grabs. India Today suggests a quartet of Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as likely candidates. Reddy’s batting provides an extra cushion, making him a handy pick.
Meanwhile, veteran Mohammed Shami is in recovery mode. After major foot surgery in early 2024, he made only a modest IPL comeback. Reports from this season’s IPL (Sunrisers Hyderabad) note that Shami’s bowling average and economy have been underwhelming. That inconsistency leaves his England spot uncertain – he may need to rediscover form to secure selection. If he doesn’t, others like Akash Deep or uncapped quicks (e.g. Harshit Rana) might sneak in. In short, expect Bumrah and Siraj to spearhead, with Prasidh and Reddy (or Shami, if fit and firing) filling out the attack.
Which Spinners Will Feature?
India’s spin department is another cliffhanger. With Ajinkya Rahane and Kuldeep off the scene, the onus falls on Ravindra Jadeja. India Today analysts speculate that Jadeja will likely be the lone front-line spinner, using his all-round skills to balance the side. Jadeja has overcome a hamstring issue in early 2024 and looks set to bat as a lower-order mainstay and bowl many overs. The X-factor is whether Washington Sundar will also tour. Sundar’s excellent all-round record on turning tracks in England could earn him a place, especially if conditions demand two spinners. Another option is Axar Patel; he was part of India’s Test setup earlier and could slide in if needed. But the safe bet is Jadeja plus at most one partner (likely Sundar).
Possible Surprise Picks?
Despite headline names, there are always curveballs in India’s Test Squad for England Tour 2025. Two players to watch are Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair. Sarfaraz has been a domestic run-machine, averaging nearly 70 in first-class cricket—surpassed only by legends like Bradman and Merchant—and has long been knocking on the Test door. Karun Nair, known for his triple Test century, has also scored heavily in the Ranji Trophy. Analysts’ mock squads often include both in India’s possible lineup. Other dark horses include Sai Sudharsan, an aggressive young batsman, and Dhruv Jurel, a backup keeper-batsman. Veteran all-rounder Shardul Thakur and uncapped pacer Harshit Rana could be options if conditions or injuries come into play. Historically, England tours have seen surprise Test debuts, so fans eagerly await potential wildcards in India’s Test Squad.
Will Shubman Gill Lead the Team?
One final drama: captaincy. With Rohit Sharma retired and Virat Kohli possibly retiring soon, India may hand the reins to a new generation. The buzz is that Shubman Gill, currently just 24, could be appointed captain for the England Tests. He already co-led India in the World Test Championship final and has the trust of top officials. Even if not named captain, Gill is viewed as a leader among the batting ranks. His presence in any batting position is a certainty. Bumrah and Jadeja (though seniors) may provide experience, but the on-field calls could well rest with Gill.
Batters and Wicketkeepers
- Shubman Gill – Top-order bat, India’s young star and rumored captain.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Opener, young left-hander expected to partner Rahul.
- KL Rahul – Opener/wicketkeeper, veteran batsman returning from injury.
- Rishabh Pant – Wicketkeeper, recovered batsman-keeper ready to resume Test duties.
- Dhruv Jurel – Wicketkeeper, back-up keeper-batter, as in recent squads.
- Sarfaraz Khan – Batsman, domestic run-machine yet to debut, high on talent.
- Karun Nair – Batsman, experienced left-hander with huge first-class scores.
- Sai Sudharsan – Batsman/all-rounder, explosive young batsman in probables.
All-rounders and Bowlers
- Ravindra Jadeja – All-rounder/spin, India’s premier spinner and batsman, likely lone left-arm spinner.
- Axar Patel – All-rounder/spin, left-arm spinner and batter, can play second fiddle to Jadeja.
- Washington Sundar – All-rounder/spin, off-spinner, capable keeper and useful lower-order bat.
- Jasprit Bumrah – Pace, world-class fast bowler and expected leader of the attack.
- Mohammed Siraj – Pace, experienced seamer, likely partner to Bumrah.
- Mohammed Shami – Pace, veteran quick, fitness and form will decide his spot.
- Prasidh Krishna – Pace, tall fast bowler, likely part of the pace quartet.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – Seam-bowling all-rounder, brings batting depth, named in many mock squads.
Fans can expect one or two twists when the official announcement arrives. Injuries and last-minute form (for example, any late hurdlers from the IPL season) will also shape the final list. But based on the intel and recent trends, this is the squad that looks set to tour.
As the days count down to June 20, every practice match and press conference will be scrutinized for hints about India’s Test Squad for England Tour 2025. One thing is certain: Indian fans will be watching all developments with enthusiasm (and a little trepidation), because in England, any of these players could turn the series in India’s favor. The Test battles start soon – and the stage is set for some thrilling cricket drama under the English skies.
Match Schedule: 1st Test – June 20–24 at Headingley, Leeds; 2nd Test – July 2–6 at Edgbaston, Birmingham; 3rd Test – July 10–14 at Lord’s, London; 4th Test – July 23–27 at Old Trafford, Manchester; 5th Test – July 31–Aug 4 at The Oval, London
