Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is unhappy with Shardul Thakur's performance in the five-match Test series opener in the ongoing England tour. He suggested a name who is best to replace Thakur for the upcoming second Test of the series. 

In the Test series opener at Leeds, Shardul Thakur disappointed with his bowling and batting performances. Returning to Test cricket after one and a half years, Thakur only managed to pick up two wickets in the fourth innings, while scoring only one and four runs. 

Pathan feels that Thakur's comeback was disappointing, while he could have been used in a better way with the ball.  

On his YouTube channel, Pathan said, "It was definitely disappointing the way Shardul Thakur bowled. It was his first game. He was making a comeback after a long time. It's not easy, and he wasn't used as much as he should have been with the ball. He could have been introduced a little earlier. You don't see that much zip in his bowling with a very old ball."

See Also: Jadeja is not a front-line spinner... ' - Former India coach slams team management for including Ravindra Jadeja in ENG vs IND Test XI

Shardul Thakur can't let the collapse happen: Irfan Pathan

In the Leeds Test, Indian batters were dominating in both innings, but the late batting order failed to provide any support, as the visitors lost their momentum. Thakur had to play an important role with the bat, but he literary threw his wickets in both innings. Pathan feels that Thakur's batting didn't seem confident enough, and Washington Sundar can be a good replacement for him. 

Pathan added, "There were many factors, but the most disappointing thing I found was that he cannot let the collapse happen if he is batting at No. 8. Since Shardul didn't look that comfortable while batting, the Indian team have the option of Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Your batting will get lengthened if you play Washington Sundar at No. 8. The collapse won't happen."

Should play Washington Sundar: Irfan Pathan

Shardul Thakur, who impressed with the bat as a tail-ender in the last domestic cricket season, has scored 336 runs in 20 Test innings with an average of 17.68, including four half-centuries. Meanwhile, the left-handed lower-order batter, Washington Sundar, who is also an effective off-spinner, has scored 468 runs in 16 innings with an average of 42.54, including four half-centuries. 

Pathan continued, "You will expect at least 15 to 20 runs from him. He should give more as he is a better batsman than Shardul. So, in my opinion, you should play Washington Sundar at No. 8. The Indian team can control the collapses to a large extent. England's bowling will keep getting better. So you will have to lengthen your batting."

On the other hand, Pathan also praised Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is a right-handed middle-order batter and right-arm medium pacer. Reddy impressed with his bat in the latest Australia tour in the 2024-25 season, where he made his Test debut and scored 298 runs in nine innings with an average of 37.25. Apart from one century, Reddy also scored three crucial 40s in that Australia tour. 

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant created history in the Leeds Test by smashing centuries in both innings of the Test match. The left-handed batter also put his name to another special Test record book with his nine sixes in the same Test match.

Leeds is hosting the first game of the five-match Test series between the hosts England and the visitors India, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, which is also their beginning journey in the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant slammed centuries in both innings of the Test match, as he became only the second wicketkeeper-batter to record centuries in both innings of a Test match. 

Rishabh Pant equaled most sixes in a Test match in England

After scoring 134 off 178 balls in the first innings of the Test match, Pant scored 118 off 140 balls in his next innings of the Test match. In the first innings, the left-handed batter hit 12 fours and six sixes. Later, in his next innings, he hit 15 fours and three sixes. With his nine sixes in the Leeds Test, Pant equalled the record for the most sixes in a Test match in England, which was previously held by the English cricketers Andrew Flintoff and Ben Stokes. 

See Also: KL Rahul’s Leeds special records tumble in 1st test vs England

Batters with most sixes in a Test match in England

Rishabh Pant records most sixes in a Test match in England by a visiting batter

Meanwhile, Pant now holds the record for the most sixes in a Test match in England by a visiting batter after shattering the 41-year-old previous record of six sixes by Sri Lankan cricketer Duleep Mendis.  

Visitng batters with most sixes in a Test match in England

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant created history by recording centuries in both innings of the Leeds Test against the hosts England, as he entered the special and rare record books. In Test cricket history, he became the second wicketkeeper to hit centuries in both innings of a Test match. 

England vs India, 2025 Leeds Test: Rishabh Pant scored 134 and 118 runs

In the first innings of the five-match Test series opener in Leeds, while the visitors India scored 471 runs with the help of three centuries, Pant recorded his seventh Test century and scored 134 runs.  

In India's crucial moment of the second innings of the Leeds Test, Rishabh Pant produced another solid performance, which supported another centurion KL Rahul to build up the innings strongly. The new Test vice-captain came to bat at no.5, when the visitors were struggling at 92/3 after losing their new Test skipper Shubman Gill cheaply. 

Rahul and Pant set up a 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which can be proven as the game-changer of the Test match later. Both Rahul and Pant scored centuries, while the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter recorded his eighth Test century in style. Before his dismissal in the third innings of the Test match, Pant scored 118 runs, and India already earned a 293-run lead. 

See Also: KL Rahul’s Leeds special records tumble in 1st test vs England

Here are some crucial stats of Rishabh Pant's twin century record in the Leeds Test

• Pant became the second wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket history to record centuries in both innings of a Test match. Former Zimbabwean wicketkeeper-batter Andy Flower was the first in this record book with 142 and 199 not out during the 2001 Harare Test against South Africa. 
• Pant became the first Indian to record centuries in both innings of a Test match against England as well as in England. 
• Pant became the fifth Indian cricketer to hit centuries in both innings of a Test match outside Asia. The other four names in this list are Vijay Hazare (116 & 145 vs Australia in 1948 Adelaide), Sunil Gavaskar (124 & 220 vs West Indies in 1971 Port of Spain), Rahul Dravid (190 & 103* vs New Zealand in 1999 Hamilton), and Virat Kohli (115 & 141 vs Australia in 2014 Adelaide). 

The new Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant started the 2025 England tour in style as the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter smashed a four on his second ball facing in the five-match away Test series. 

England and India have started the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship on Friday by starting the five-match Test series at Leeds. English captain Ben Stokes sent the visitors to bat first after winning the toss on the first day morning of the Leeds Test. However, the visitors India have completely dominated the opening day of the series with the bat. 

ENG vs IND: India managed perfect start

Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a solid start with a 91-run partnership for the first wicket. After Rahul was dismissed for 42 runs, the Test debutant Sai Sudharsan scored a duck. 

However, Jaiswal and the new Test skipper Shubman Gill controlled the innings really well with their 129-run partnership for the third wicket. Jaiswal scored a brilliant century as the left-handed opening batter scored 101 runs before the English skipper bowled him. 

WATCH: Ben Stokes absolute 'Jaffa' gets well set Yashasvi Jaiswal in ongoing first Test between England and India

Rishabh Pant didn't waste time 

The new Test vice-captain for India, Rishabh Pant, joined the crease after the dismissal of Jaiswal, as the new Indian Test captain and vice-captain were batting together. Stokes continued that over, while Pant pushed a defensive shot before smashing a four straight over the bowler's head after stepping out, facing only the second delivery of the series. As Pant has started the series in his familiar nature, English Test captain Stokes couldn't stop laughing at it after seeing the courage. 

𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙃𝘼𝘽𝙃 𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝙄𝙎 𝙄𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙈𝙄𝘿𝘿𝙇𝙀! 😎

That's it, that's the caption! 🤣😅

Watch now 👉 https://t.co/PXeXAKeYoj #ENGvIND | 1st Test | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/S16apONf41

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 20, 2025

On Wednesday (June 18), Indian cricketer Mukesh Kumar shared a cryptic Instagram story. Since this post, the rumour is going on whether it is a dig at the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team selection, or anything else. 

Although he was with the Indian squad many times recently, the 31-year-old Indian right-arm medium pacer Mukesh Kumar played his last international match in July 2024, when India toured Zimbabwe. While India are ready to begin their journey in the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship with a five-match away Test series against the hosts England, starting on June 20, Mukesh Kumar isn't present in the team. 

India tour of England 2025: Harshit Rana added, but no Mukesh Kumar

However, before this Test series, Mukesh Kumar toured England for India A for the two-match unofficial Test series against the hosts England Lions. Kumar played one match and picked up three wickets.

Last Tuesday (June 17), pacer Harshit Rana was added to the Indian men's senior team for the five-match Test series in England. Rana was also in the India A squad for their recently concluded unofficial Test series against England Lions, and managed to pick up only one wicket in one match. 

See Also: ENG vs IND: "Achha aur talented baccha hai" – Kapil Dev Backs Shubman Gill to Lead India to Series Win

"Karma bides its time": Mukesh Kumar

On Wednesday, Mukesh Kumar suddenly shared a cryptic Instagram story, where he wrote, "Karma bides its time. You will always have to watch out. Karma is unforgiving and always gets payback." While there is not enough information about this story, the media rumours are linking it to his exclusion from the Indian squad. 

Mukesh Kumar has played 26 international matches

Mukesh Kumar made his international cricket debut in July 2023, when India toured in West Indies, and he made debuts in all formats in that same tour. Kumar has played three Tests, six ODIs, and 17 T20Is, where the right-arm medium pacer has taken seven, five, and 20 wickets, respectively. 

Kumar's last match for India was the 2024 Harare T20I against Zimbabwe. In that T20I series, Kumar was India's leading wicket-taker with eight wickets in three games (Washington Sundar had eight wickets in five matches).

Legendary English pacer James Anderson has reacted to the new name of the England vs India Test series trophy, which is the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

India vs England Test series trophies have two different names depending on the hosting nation. Previously, the England vs India Test series in England was known as the Pataudi Trophy, in honour of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who was the only cricketer to play for both England and India in Test cricket. On the other hand, the India vs England Test series in India is known as the Anthony de Mello Trophy, in honour of one of the founders of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

See Also: List of seven new cricketers inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy replaces Pataudi Trophy

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to replace the Pataudi Trophy with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The new name is in honour of the two legends, former English cricketer James Anderson and former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in Test, ODI, and international cricket, while Anderson is the leading Test and international wicket-taker as a pacer (third leading Test and international wicket-taker as a bowler).

It's a huge honour: James Anderson

The 42-year-old former English pacer James Anderson, who retired from international cricket last year but is still active in the game, feels a huge honour, which he still finds unbelievable. 

During a WP World event at Lord's, Anderson told ESPNcricinfo, "It's a huge honour. I still can't quite believe it. Sachin is someone I looked up to when I was growing up, though I don't want to do him a disservice with his age. I remember watching him, an absolute legend of the game, and I played against him a lot as well. So to have this trophy is a huge honour for me, and I couldn't be more proud."

'Still can't quite believe it' 🏆

James Anderson on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 🗣️#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/KpVDPhGjTW

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 9, 2025

On Saturday (May 24), the Men’s Selection Committee selected an 18-member Indian senior men’s Test squad for the upcoming England tour, where they will play a five-match Test series. Here, we are going through the unselected India XI for the England tour. 

India will start their 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship journey with the five-match Test series in England. Due to the recent retirement of Test captain Rohit Sharma and legendary cricketer Virat Kohli, along with legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, India have some new Test faces along with special comebacks. 

India tour of England 2025: Key Indian squad facts

Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh are the new faces in Indian Test cricket, while Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur have returned to the Test squad. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has been selected as the new Test captain, while Rishabh Pant is set to play his deputy role in the red-ball format.

India tour of England 2025: Top unselected Indian players

Meanwhile, we are missing some strong names in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming England tour. Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara are the two strong names who could take important responsibilities with their strong experiences, especially when we miss Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. 

Shreyas Iyer, who has played 14 Tests, is also an important name on the missing list. His last Test was the 2024 Visakhapatnam Test against England. 

See Also: IND vs ENG: Why Shreyas Iyer was not selected in India’s Test squad for England tour?

Two-Test experienced Ishan Kishan is another strong name to miss the England tour, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is yet to make his Test debut. Sarfaraz Khan, who made his Test debut during the England tour of India 2024-25 season and has played six Tests, has been dropped from the Test squad.  

Anshul Kamboj is a special pace-bowling all-rounder, who was in the news in November 2024 after becoming the third Ranji Trophy bowler to record a 10-wicket haul in an innings. The 24-year-old has huge potential. Axar Patel, with 14-Test experience, is also missing from the Test squad.

Among the pacers, we are missing Khaleel Ahmed and Harshit Rana, along with the veteran Mohammed Shami, whose fitness is reportedly still a concern for Test cricket. Khaleel is yet to make his Test debut, while Harshit has played two Tests after making his debut during India's tour of Australia last season.  

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Sarfaraz Khan, Anshul Kamboj, Harshit Rana, and Khaleel Ahmed are set to travel to England earlier in the Test series as a part of the India A squad. So, any of them can join the Indian Test squad during the upcoming England tour. 

Unselected India XI vs England

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, Axar Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Khaleel Ahmed 

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.

Also Read: How much money did BCCI lose per game due to IPL 2025 suspension?

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. 

See Also: List of cricketers honored with Padma Shri award by Indian Government

• 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.