The England series in 2025 will be a vital test for India as they confront the English team without the stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players have been an integral part of India's leadership and success in the longest form of the game, but with their absence, the team will approach this series with a new dynamic. This transition offers a chance for new players to step up and establish themselves on the global stage, particularly in the tough environment of England.

Shubman Gill will captain the team, replacing Kohli and Rohit as skipper. As captain, he will be vital, leading a young but talented team on. The batting lineup will have more onus on experienced players such as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, while the new talent in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan will be looking to make a name for themselves in this pressure-cooker setting. Kohli and Rohit's absence will definitely be missed, but the combined effort of the team may prove to be a deciding factor in this series.

On the bowling side, India continues to have a solid lineup with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj spearheading the pace attack. The spin unit is also strong, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar offering vital depth. The balance of the team remains in place, even as they deal with the loss of two of their main players, with a focus on teamwork and emerging stars.

Also Read: India’s Probable Squad for England Test Tour 2025

A Fresh Approach for the England Tour

The India squad for the 2025 Test series against England has a rejuvenated look, built around youth and experience. The absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opens up space for other players to assume leadership roles, both on and off the field. Players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant will carry the burden of the team's batting, while promising newcomers are expected to shine. The bowlers, especially Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj, will again remain key players to keep India competitive in English conditions.

Probable India squad for England series is given below:

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep.

India's eagerly awaited Test series against England will get underway on June 20, 2025. The five-match series will mark the start of the new cycle of the World Test Championship (2025–27) and India's first big-ticket red-ball mission after the retirement of Rohit Sharma. With leadership change hanging over the horizon and a host of young players making a strong case for inclusion, this tour has the potential to redefine the look of India's Test side.

The biggest question ahead of the squad announcement revolves around Virat Kohli. Despite reports of him informing the BCCI about his desire to step away from Test cricket, the selectors are hopeful of convincing him to stay on for at least this crucial away tour. Kohli’s presence—especially in English conditions—would bring not only his unmatched experience but also a much-needed anchor in the middle order.

In the absence of Rohit and Kohli being uncertain, the onus of captaining the side is likely to rest on Shubman Gill's shoulders. Gill has impressed with the bat and has demonstrated leadership maturity, hence becoming the top candidate to don the captain's hat. He is likely to play as an opener with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will provide a promising and young opening partnership. The selectors will try to balance between experienced and domestic players in form to counter the English conditions.

Prioritize Fresh Blood and Bowling Depth

Selectors are said to be eager to invest in the future Test cricketers. Players such as Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy are likely to be offered chances, based on steady domestic performances and their ability to cope with the pressure of international cricket. Wicketkeeping responsibilities may be shared between Rishabh Pant—if fit—and Dhruv Jurel, who impressed in the Australia series earlier this year.

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In the bowling department, India will probably opt for a full-strength pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, both seasoned campaigners in England, will be expected to spearhead the attack. They would be ably assisted by Mohammed Siraj and young guns such as Harshit Rana and Akash Deep. In the spin section, seasoned campaigner Ravindra Jadeja will be the point of reference, while Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar will bring in variety and control.

Likely India Squad for England Test Series 2025:

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli (subject to retirement decision), KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep.

While the cricketers are busy in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the focus on India's upcoming tour of England is growing as time progresses. In recent media reports, we have got some latest key information regarding this forthcoming major tour. 

India tour of England 2025

After the IPL 2025, India will tour England for a five-match Test series, which will be their first assignment in the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. This five-match Test series will run from June 20 to August 4, 2025. The two-time ICC World Test Championship runners-up India are desperate to start the Championship in a strong way to erase their grief for their late unsuccess in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. 

Before the Test series, India A are likely to play three four-day matches against the hosts England Lions to set a strong preparation for the crucial long Test series. The schedule hasn't been officially revealed yet. 

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• Captaincy and players

According to the latest Times of India report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is focusing on setting the best possible team with proper practice for the upcoming big Test series in England. The selectors have reportedly shortlisted almost 35 players for India A and senior teams that will travel to England after the IPL 2025. Rohit Sharma is likely to continue his leadership role in the longest format. Some of the key senior players can be requested to play one of the three-match series for India A.  

• Some key special names for Test cricket

With the recent strong performances, Rajat Patidar and Karun Nair are under the selection consideration for the middle-order batting. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel are not in the shortlist, as per the report.  

• Spinner after Ravichandran Ashwin

In the absence of retired off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav is set to return in Test cricket, who played his last Test outside Asia in January 2019 in Australia.

• Backup opener

Talking about the backup opener, we have no information about Abhimanyu Easwaran, but the in-form Sai Sudharsan, who has played three ODIs and one T20I, can be considered in the senior squad. 

India tour of England 2025: Key points

• Rohit Sharma can continue his captaincy role.
• Around 35 players have been shortlisted for India A & Senior team.
• Rajat Patidar & Karun Nair can join as middle-order options.
• Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel are reportedly not present in the shortlist.
• Sai Sudharsan can be a backup opener.
• Kuldeep Yadav set to return in the away Test. 
• Concern about Mohammed Siraj's latest Test performances.