India’s Test team is heading into a significant transition phase following the retirement of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s reported inclination to step away from red-ball cricket. With two of India’s most experienced batters stepping aside, attention has now shifted to the leadership vacuum and the wealth of experience missing from the dressing room.
In the midst of this transition, the Indian selectors have taken a firm stand: there will be no return for Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. Despite growing murmurs among fans and former cricketers calling for their comebacks, the selectors have made it clear that both veterans are not in their plans for the upcoming five-Test series in England.
As reported by RevSportz, BCCI sources confirmed that the doors are firmly shut on the seasoned duo, as the selection committee is now focused on long-term rebuilding. This fresh direction reflects a commitment to grooming a younger core capable of carrying the team through the entire 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
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Rather than opting for short-term stability, the selectors are now banking on emerging talent—even if it involves some risk early on. The squad for the England tour is expected to be announced around May 19 or 20. With uncertainty still looming over the resumption of IPL 2025 due to ongoing cross-border tensions, a few Indian players may be flown to England earlier than scheduled.
The idea is to give them ample time to acclimatise to the conditions before the series kicks off. If Kohli does confirm his Test retirement, the spotlight will shift to the critical No. 4 batting spot—a role he made his own over the years.
Among the young contenders, Sai Sudharsan is rapidly emerging as a frontrunner. His consistent performances in county cricket, domestic tournaments, and the IPL—especially for Gujarat Titans this season—have impressed selectors and fans alike. With a long-term vision in mind, the 22-year-old might get a chance to cement his place.
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Notably, Kohli has featured in 46 WTC matches, amassing 2617 runs with five centuries. He led India to the inaugural WTC final in 2021. Though he missed the home series against England earlier this year due to the birth of his second child, India still triumphed 4-1. Now, with the away series approaching, Kohli’s availability remains uncertain—adding another layer of intrigue to India’s evolving Test narrative.
