Table of Contents
India are set to begin a five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, marking their first red-ball assignment after a dismal showing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. However, ahead of this crucial campaign, Indian cricket has been rocked by the speculated retirement of Virat Kohli from Test cricket.
Virat Kohli considering Test retirement ahead of England tour
According to The Indian Express report, Kohli has reportedly made up his mind to step away from the longest format. The 36-year-old has been in outstanding form in white-ball cricket, particularly in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 where his performance had helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure a top-two finish before the tournament got ultimately suspended, fueling hopes for a maiden title. However, in red-ball cricket, Kohli’s returns have been inconsistent from last five years.
Kohli’s decision would come on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s official Test retirement, which was confirmed last week. With Rohit stepping away and Kohli reportedly following suit, India faces the prospect of losing two senior-most batters from their top four players who have been pillars of Indian Test batting for over a decade. This could leave India in a rebuilding phase, heavily reliant on the next generation players .
With the England tour being one of the most challenging and high-profile series in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials have reportedly reached out to Kohli, requesting him to delay his retirement decision until after the series. His experience in English conditions 1,033 runs in 16 Tests, including centuries at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge could be invaluable in a five-match stretch where India is expected to face seaming, swinging conditions.
Here is India’s predicted 18-member Test squad for England tour 2025:
1. Sai Sudharsan
The left-hander from Tamil Nadu is a technically compact batter who has made strong progress in red-ball cricket. With 1,957 runs in 29 first-class games at just under 40, he has already demonstrated temperament through a century for India A in Australia. His experience in England conditions, having played county cricket for Surrey, enhances his value in the squad.
2. KL Rahul
An experienced campaigner with 48 out of his 58 Tests played as an opener, Rahul has transitioned smoothly into the middle order. His ability to play tough conditions was on display in Perth where he scored two gritty knocks. In England, he has a strong record, 597 runs at 37.31 as an opener, second-best by any Indian opener in the country.
3. Shubman Gill
Gill has cemented the No.3 slot post the WTC final 2023. Though his numbers as an opener in England are poor (14.66 average from three matches), he has shown adaptability since his demotion in the order. His average of 37.38 at No.3 and his strong start in Australia recently add weight to his inclusion.
4. Yashasvi Jaiswal
India’s new Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is aggressive and fearless. His left-handed flair complements Gill/Rahul well at the top. He’s expected to lead the charge, particularly in the absence of Rohit. Jaiswal’s attacking instincts could be critical in countering England’s early swing threat.
5. Shreyas Iyer
Though not have been part of India’s recent Test series against Australia, Iyer could be a backup middle-order option if selected, known for his ability to absorb pressure and play pace comfortably, especially in challenging away conditions.
Also READ: Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma: Comparison of two modern day greats’ captaincy records in Test cricket
6. Rishabh Pant
His return adds serious firepower. Pant’s record in England includes a memorable century at The Oval in 2021. His aggressive batting and improved glovework make him indispensable, especially against England’s attacking approach.
7. Dhruv Jurel
A promising keeper-batter, Jurel impressed in the lead-up India A games and showed temperament in his initial Test outings. With an average of 40.4 from four Tests, he offers both reliability behind the stumps and solidity with the bat.
8. Nitish Kumar Reddy
A fresh addition, Reddy showed glimpses of his potential against Australia with both bat and ball. However, his bowling workload was under scrutiny. With more overs under his belt, he could evolve into a long-term pace-bowling all-rounder.
9. Washington Sundar
A handy lower-order batter and a disciplined off-spinner, Sundar bowled 37 overs across three Tests vs Australia. He is seen more as a backup option for spinning tracks or balance in the XI.
10. Ravindra Jadeja
His spot is under scrutiny due to underwhelming bowling returns in SENA countries. Averaging 43.48 with the ball in England, Jadeja is no longer a guaranteed pick. However, his batting depth and experience still make him a strong contender.
11. Kuldeep Yadav
The left-arm wrist-spinner has returned stronger with improved mechanics. Now bowling with a straighter run-up and higher arm speed, he brings variety and penetration, especially valuable in the latter half of an English summer.
12. Jasprit Bumrah
Captain and leader of the pace attack. Fitness permitting, Bumrah is the most important component of India’s bowling unit in overseas conditions. His experience and adaptability are second to none.
13. Mohammed Siraj
Siraj continues to be India’s tireless workhorse. His aggression and ability to move the ball both ways make him a potent weapon, especially with Bumrah at the other end.
14. Prasidh Krishna
Tall and sharp, Prasidh was impressive in bursts in Australia. He has the bounce and seam movement suited for England and is a useful backup for Bumrah and Siraj.
15. Mukesh Kumar
Mukesh is a steady performer who hits consistent lengths. He edges out Harshit Rana due to greater first-class experience and recent Test exposure.
16. Yash Dayal
A left-arm option adds variation. With 76 wickets in 24 FC matches at 28.89, Dayal is seen as a long-term investment. His maiden Test call-up for the Bangladesh series reflects growing trust in his ability.
17. Abhimanyu Easwaran
A solid domestic performer, Easwaran has long been in the India A radar. His compact technique and patience make him a reliable reserve opener for overseas tours.
18. Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz could be in contention for a middle-order slot. His weight of domestic runs demands consideration, though concerns remain about his short-ball handling abroad.
Also READ: 3 key reasons behind Virat Kohli’s potential Test retirement
