In a major shift in Indian cricket’s red-ball hierarchy, the BCCI selection committee has unveiled the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, with Shubman Gill officially taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma as captain. The decision marks a generational transition in leadership and signals a fresh era in Indian Test cricket.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the much-anticipated squad this afternoon, confirming that Shubman Gill will lead the side. In a parallel leadership change, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed vice-captain, replacing Jasprit Bumrah in the leadership group.

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The squad, although without stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, still boasts a solid core of experienced players and promising youngsters. While Rohit is understood to be stepping aside to manage workload, Kohli’s absence appears to be due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, senior pacer Mohammed Shami continues to sit out as he recovers from injury, and domestic star Sarfaraz Khan once again misses out.

However, the headline return comes in the form of Karun Nair. After years on the sidelines, the right-hander has forced his way back into the Test squad thanks to an outstanding domestic season. Now representing Vidarbha after moving from Karnataka, Nair piled on the runs during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign and played a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s deep run in the tournament.

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Also making the cut is Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has been rewarded for his consistent performances in the domestic circuit and recent leadership role with India A. Easwaran’s patient and technically sound approach has earned him a well-deserved opportunity. With R Ashwin having called time on his illustrious Test career, Kuldeep Yadav reclaims his place in the red-ball squad, offering India a potent wrist-spin option in English conditions.

Alongside familiar names like Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dhruv Jurel, the new-look squad looks balanced, refreshed, and ready for the challenge that awaits in England.

India Test Squad For England Tour

Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK/VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav