India Test Squad for England Tour Captaincy Race Heats Up
The upcoming five-match Test series between India and England, beginning on June 20, 2025, has created an intense buzz—not just for the high-stakes cricket action expected on English soil, but also due to a monumental leadership transition. With Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket and Virat Kohli unavailable, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel is now tasked with choosing the new Test captain. Here’s a comprehensive look at the top contenders and all the latest updates.
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1. Squad Announcement Expected Soon
The BCCI selection committee has already announced the India A squad for their England tour, which precedes the senior team’s series. All eyes are now on Ajit Agarkar and his team as they prepare to announce the full Indian Test squad and, most importantly, name Rohit Sharma’s successor.
The final decision on captaincy is expected to be made during the squad selection meeting scheduled in the coming days. Fans, experts, and former cricketers are all actively weighing in on the subject.
2. Jasprit Bumrah – Leading the Race?
Current Test vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah remains the frontrunner in the captaincy debate. His calm demeanor, proven leadership qualities, and tactical intelligence make him a prime candidate. Although he has captained India in only three Tests, the highlight remains the famous Perth Test win against Australia.
Bumrah’s Captaincy Stats in Tests:
• Matches: 3
• Wins: 1 (vs Australia, Perth)
• Losses: 2
His experience as vice-captain and his ability to remain composed under pressure could work in his favor.
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3. Shubman Gill – The Youthful Vision
Shubman Gill has emerged as a popular choice for the long-term vision of Indian cricket. At just 25, Gill has already been entrusted with captaincy duties during the T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he impressed with his tactical awareness and leadership.
Gill’s T20I Captaincy Record:
• Matches: 5
• Wins: 4
• Losses: 1
While Gill lacks Test captaincy experience, his temperament and hunger to evolve make him a strong future investment. However, some experts argue he should be groomed under a senior captain before being handed the reins permanently.
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4. Rishabh Pant – An Explosive Choice
Rishabh Pant’s comeback to cricket after his accident has been inspirational. As captain of Delhi Capitals in the IPL and having previously led India in five matches across formats, Pant brings aggression and energy.
Pant’s Captaincy Stats for India:
• Matches: 5
• Wins: 2
• Losses: 2
• No Result: 1
While his leadership style is dynamic, the recent elimination of Lucknow Super Giants (whom he captains) from IPL 2025 playoffs may slightly dent his chances.
5. KL Rahul – The Calm Option
KL Rahul offers a balanced and experienced alternative. He has already captained India in three Tests, winning two against Bangladesh and losing one to South Africa. With his composure and steady approach, Rahul could provide transitional leadership.
Rahul’s Test Captaincy Record:
• Matches: 3
• Wins: 2
• Losses: 1
His ability to shoulder responsibility quietly and maintain team unity can’t be ignored, especially on tough overseas tours.
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6. Ravindra Jadeja – A Surprise Recommendation
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently stirred the debate by suggesting Ravindra Jadeja as a viable captaincy candidate. Known for his cricketing acumen and all-round consistency, Jadeja could be an out-of-the-box choice.
Ashwin stated,
“Everyone is talking about Bumrah and Gill, but why not consider someone experienced like Jadeja? Maybe let Gill be his understudy for two years.”
Jadeja may lack prior leadership experience, but his presence and understanding of the game are immense assets. It remains to be seen whether the selectors are open to taking such an unconventional yet thoughtful route.
7. Former Cricketers Weigh In
Former players and experts have been vocal about their preferences:
• Sanjay Bangar backed KL Rahul for his consistency and international leadership exposure.
• Ashwin, as mentioned, pitched for Jadeja and emphasized building Gill gradually rather than rushing him into a leadership role.
• Fans on social media seem split between the aggression of Pant, the maturity of Bumrah, and the potential of Gill.
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8. Filling the Void of Rohit and Kohli
The retirement of Rohit Sharma and the absence of Virat Kohli leave a massive vacuum in India’s Test setup—not just in terms of runs but also in leadership and experience. Whoever is chosen will carry the responsibility of leading a transitioning team in one of the most challenging cricketing environments: England.
The five-Test series will be a baptism by fire for the new skipper, and the decision could shape India’s red-ball future for the next decade.
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9. What’s Next?
The official squad announcement is expected in the next few days. Once the captain is named, the focus will shift to team balance, travel logistics, and preparation for English conditions. The first Test begins on June 20, 2025, and the newly appointed captain will be under the spotlight right from the toss.
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Conclusion
India’s next Test captain will be chosen not just based on stats but also vision, temperament, and leadership philosophy. Jasprit Bumrah leads the race, but names like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and even Ravindra Jadeja add complexity to the decision.
As the selectors weigh their options, one thing is certain—Indian cricket is on the cusp of a new era, and the England tour will be its first major test.
Stay tuned with CrickTab.com for the official squad announcement and further developments.
