Rohit Sharma reportedly considers opting out of India’s upcoming Test series against England, scheduled for June 2025. According to recent reports, the Indian skipper is contemplating skipping the tour due to his ongoing struggles in red-ball cricket. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is expected to make the trip, reinforcing India’s batting lineup in what could be one of his final Test assignments in England.
Both Rohit and Kohli featured in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where neither had an exceptional run. While Kohli managed a century in the first Test against Australia, Rohit endured a nightmare series, managing just 31 runs at a dismal average of 6.20 across three matches. Following the fourth Test, Rohit stepped away from the Sydney Test, handing the captaincy to Jasprit Bumrah—a move that could be repeated for the entire England series.
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Despite speculation around his future, India Today reports that Rohit has not hinted at retirement. In contrast, Kohli recently mentioned at an RCB event that he might not have another Australia series left in him, raising questions about his long-term Test career. If this is indeed the case, the England series could be Kohli’s last red-ball tour in the UK.
IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma likely to opt out of England tour, Virat Kohli to retain spot – India Today https://t.co/BWckQEfBy8
— Terrance Peteris (@T_Peters27) March 27, 2025
India will embark on their England tour shortly after the IPL concludes on May 25. The five-match Test series begins at Headingley on June 20, giving players ample time to transition from the T20 format to the longer format. Before the series, key Indian players will travel early to play warm-up matches against England A, allowing them to acclimatize to the conditions.
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The BCCI will finalize the squad post-IPL, and the selection committee is expected to consider several emerging players. Karun Nair’s name has surfaced as a potential inclusion, along with other performers from domestic cricket. The warm-up matches could play a crucial role in determining the final Test squad, with strong performances possibly opening doors for new faces in India’s lineup for the high-stakes series.
