India’s likely squad for England Test series revealed

The Indian men’s cricket team is gearing up for a crucial five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. This tour marks the start of India’s campaign in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, following their failure to qualify for the WTC 2025 final.

India’s last Test series win in England came in 2007 under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, where they secured a 1-0 victory. Now, with a fresh start ahead, the team is hoping to break the drought and register another historic series win on English soil.

Rohit Sharma is likely to continue as captain despite a disappointing performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he scored just 31 runs in five innings. While there was speculation about his place in the squad, the 38-year-old opener is expected to lead the team.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s top-ranked Test batter, will likely partner Rohit at the top, followed by Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. KL Rahul is expected to be included as a backup wicketkeeper, while young left-hander Sai Sudharsan may earn his Test call-up as a reserve opener, thanks to his impressive form.

Middle-order batter Karun Nair, who scored a triple-century against England in 2016 and had a strong domestic season in 2024–25, is also in contention for a recall — having last played a Test in 2017.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his Test debut against Australia and impressed as India’s only pace-bowling all-rounder, is likely to retain his place in the squad.

In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja will be India’s lead option following Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement. Washington Sundar, known for his consistent performances, is expected to be included as well.

Jasprit Bumrah, who took 32 wickets in the Australia series — the most by an Indian in a Test series — will spearhead the pace attack. After recovering from a four-month injury layoff, Bumrah returned to action in the 2025 IPL and is fit to lead the bowling unit in England. Supporting him will be Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna.

The series will be played at five iconic English venues: Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

India’s likely squad for England Test series:

Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna.