The Indian Test team is on the cusp of a major transformation. With the retirements of two modern-day legends — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — and veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin earlier this year, India’s red-ball setup is entering a bold new era. The upcoming five-Test series against England, beginning June 20, 2025, will mark the start of this transition in earnest.
END OF AN ERA: KOHLI AND ROHIT STEP AWAY
Earlier in the year, Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious Test career during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. That was just the beginning.
Last week, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending his tenure as India’s captain in the longest format. While somewhat expected due to his age and workload, it nonetheless signalled a major shift.
Then came the real shock Virat Kohli, one of the greatest batters of this generation, also declared his retirement from Test cricket, drawing the curtain on a legendary red-ball career.
LEADERSHIP SHIFT: SHUBMAN GILL LIKELY TO LEAD
With Kohli and Sharma gone, India not only loses two pivotal top-order batters but also their leadership core. As per reports, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is not in the fray for Test captaincy, leaving the door wide open for Shubman Gill to take charge.
Gill, already a key part of India’s top order and one of the brightest young stars in world cricket, appears to be the frontrunner to lead the side into the next World Test Championship cycle.
NEW FACES IN THE TOP ORDER
Replacing stalwarts Rohit and Kohli is no easy task. Rohit’s role as opener and Kohli’s critical No. 4 position are both up for grabs.
India has a pool of exciting options to consider:
For the Opening Slot: Alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, the selectors might look at Sai Sudharsan, the Gujarat Titans left-hander who was among the top run-scorers in IPL 2025 before the league’s suspension.
At No. 4: Karun Nair, who has a Test triple-century to his name, could be a strong candidate to slot into Kohli’s position.
Gill and KL Rahul offer the versatility to adapt across various top-order roles, which gives the team added flexibility.
INDIA'S PROBABLE SQUAD FOR ENGLAND TESTS
Though the BCCI has not yet announced the official squad, here’s a look at how the lineup might take shape for the England tour:
• Batsmen
• Wicketkeepers
• ALL-ROUNDERS
• Fast Bowlers
- - Jasprit Bumrah
- - Mohammed Siraj
- - Mohammed Shami
- - Harshit Rana
- - Akash Deep
• Specialist Spinner
PROJECTED STARTING XI FOR THE FIRST TEST
- 1. Sai Sudharsan
- 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
- 3. Shubman Gill (C)
- 4. KL Rahul
- 5. Rishabh Pant (wk)
- 6. Nitish Kumar Reddy
- 7. Ravindra Jadeja
- 8. Shardul Thakur / Kuldeep Yadav
- 9. Jasprit Bumrah
- 10. Mohammed Siraj
- 11. Mohammed Shami
The team combination could vary based on pitch conditions. On pace-friendly tracks, India might play an extra fast bowler, while spinning tracks could see Kuldeep Yadav join Jadeja in a dual-spin attack.
CONCLUSION: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
India's tour of England will be more than just a Test series — it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket. With Shubman Gill poised to lead and a promising mix of youth and experience in the squad, the team will aim to make a strong start to the new WTC cycle despite the absence of some all-time greats.
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