Ind vs Eng Rahul & Yashasvi to Open in New Test Era
India’s much-anticipated squad announcement for the five-match Test series against England is on the horizon, and it carries a historic weight. For the first time in over a decade, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be absent from a red-ball Indian squad, following their recent retirements from Test cricket. As the team management looks ahead to a new generation of cricketers, there are plenty of surprises and fresh strategies in store.
Let’s break down what’s expected in the Indian squad for the England series, starting June 20 at Headingley.
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1. New Opening Pair: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to Take Charge
With Rohit Sharma retired and Shubman Gill expected to bat lower in the order, KL Rahul is tipped to return to the top of the order, partnering young left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Rahul, who has proven himself in overseas conditions previously, has been reportedly informed by head coach Gautam Gambhir about his opening role. This pairing is seen as a perfect blend of flair and experience, with Jaiswal’s aggressive strokeplay complementing Rahul’s technique.
2. Shubman Gill to Bat at No. 4 – A Strategic Shift
Shubman Gill, long viewed as the successor to Virat Kohli in terms of stroke-making elegance, is expected to bat at No. 4, the position held for over a decade by Kohli himself.
Gill’s experience in middle-order roles during recent series and his calm temperament make him an ideal fit to anchor the innings after the top order. This marks a strategic shift in India’s batting framework, emphasizing stability in the middle rather than aggression up top.
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3. Big Surprise at No. 3 – Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair in Line
According to reports from Cricbuzz, the No. 3 spot is wide open and could be filled by Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair. Both players have been rewarded for stellar performances in domestic cricket and their recent form.
Sudharsan, a left-hander known for his timing and technique, has been one of the standout openers in IPL 2025, but he’s expected to play a different role in the red-ball format. Karun Nair, who once scored a triple century in Tests, is also making a surprise comeback to the national radar.
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4. No Clear Captain Yet – Who Will Lead India?
With Rohit Sharma stepping down, there is no official confirmation on India’s new Test captain. While names like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah are in the fray, the selectors and team management have been tight-lipped.
The BCCI might spring a surprise by appointing a young leader to build for the future, or might go with a safer option like Rahul for continuity. A final call is expected to come along with the squad announcement.
5. Mohammed Shami’s Absence Likely – Fitness Concerns Loom
One of the biggest setbacks for India could be the absence of seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami. According to ESPNcricinfo, Shami is unlikely to be picked for the England tour due to insufficient workload buildup post-injury.
While Shami is currently bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, the medical team is reportedly not confident in his readiness for the demanding five-Test series. A BCCI medical staff member visited Lucknow to assess Shami’s fitness ahead of SRH’s match against RCB, but results are still awaited.
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6. India’s Likely Top 6 – New Look, New Era
Based on reports and available information, here’s how India’s top six could look for the England tour:
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. KL Rahul
3. Sai Sudharsan / Karun Nair
4. Shubman Gill
5. Rajat Patidar / Sarfaraz Khan
6. Rishabh Pant / KS Bharat (wk)
This lineup reflects India’s transition phase, with young guns and comeback men being tested under English conditions.
7. Seam Attack Without Shami – Opportunities for Siraj and Co.
With Shami likely unavailable, India’s pace battery will revolve around Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and possibly Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep.
This series could be a big opportunity for young fast bowlers to prove their mettle on seaming pitches, especially given England’s swing-friendly conditions. Bumrah’s leadership in the pace department will be crucial.
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8. Spin Department – Ashwin and Jadeja to Continue?
Even in English conditions, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to be part of the squad, given their experience and utility. Depending on the pitch, India might go with either a two-seamer, two-spinner combination or pick an extra seamer.
Axar Patel could also be in contention, especially if the selectors opt for a backup spinner who can bat.
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9. Tour Begins June 20 – Full-Fledged Five-Test Series
The five-Test series is scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, and will continue into late July. This will be India’s first overseas red-ball tour under the new leadership, and expectations are sky-high for a competitive and gritty performance.
The last time India toured England, they held a 2-1 lead before the final Test was postponed and eventually drawn. Revenge and redemption will be key themes in this upcoming series.
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10. Conclusion: Bold Calls Signal Start of New Test Era
The 2025 India vs England Test series will mark the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket. With big names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli out, and young stars like Jaiswal, Gill, and Sudharsan stepping up, the squad selection will reflect the changing dynamics of Indian red-ball cricket.
The inclusion of comeback candidates like Karun Nair and the exclusion of injury-prone players like Shami signal that form, fitness, and future-readiness are now the pillars of selection.
Fans can expect a competitive series filled with new faces and bold strategies as India prepares to take on England in their own backyard.
