When will India squad be announced for England series?

The fate of India’s red-ball captaincy seems close to resolution, with clarity expected by mid-May as the BCCI’s selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, prepares to announce the squad for the crucial five-Test tour of England. We look at When will India squad be announced for England series. 

The series, starting June 20, will mark the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2025-27, a cycle India hopes to begin with fresh intent after a disappointing 3-1 series defeat in Australia and failure to reach the WTC final. 

Despite murmurs about a possible leadership change, Rohit Sharma is expected to continue as India’s Test captain. According to a Times of India report, the BCCI has shortlisted around 35 players for the England tour, and Rohit remains central to the leadership structure.  

His form, however, has raised eyebrows, just 155 runs in 13 innings from September 2024 to January 2025, including a mere 31 runs in five innings in Australia. Still, the board appears to be backing experience and continuity as India embarks on another WTC campaign. 

Middle-Order shake-up on the Cards?

One of the more intriguing developments is the potential comeback of Karun Nair, who was instrumental in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy-winning season, scoring 863 runs at an average of 53.94. Yet his return to the Test squad is far from guaranteed, with Rajat Patidar, captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru also in the mix. Patidar, though underwhelming in his three-Test stint in 2024 with only 63 runs, still remains in selectors’ sights. 

Sai Sudharsan, another bright domestic prospect, is likely to be considered as a reserve opener. Even if he doesn’t make the main squad, a place in the India A tour seems almost certain. 

Spin attack faces evolution post-Ashwin

With Ravichandran Ashwin announcing his retirement mid-way through the Border-Gavaskar series, the selectors are weighing a tactical shift in their spin approach. Kuldeep Yadav, often overlooked for overseas Tests, is being reconsidered as an attacking spin option. Given the England conditions and Ashwin’s absence, Kuldeep’s inclusion could offer much-needed variety. 

While India’s fast bowling attack will likely revolve around Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.  

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