As Indian cricket steps into a defining phase, the national Test team is preparing for a tour of England without two of its most iconic figures—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both stalwarts have now officially stepped away from the longest format, marking the end of an era and opening the door for a fresh generation of cricketers to take the mantle.
Post-Kohli & Rohit: What Changes for India?
With the exit of Kohli and Rohit, India’s red-ball strategy is undergoing a major reset. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is in the process of finalizing squads for both the senior team and the India A side, which will play a pivotal role in developing the next line of Test specialists.
India A Squad
The India A team, expected to be announced within the week, will be captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran. The squad is expected to include a mix of familiar domestic performers and emerging talent. Players like Tanush Kotian, Baba Indrajith, Akash Deep, and Karun Nair are all being monitored closely for this developmental tour.
Senior Test Squad: New Faces, Key Returns
While the senior Test squad is yet to be officially announced, several key developments are already in motion:
Shardul Thakur’s Comeback
Shardul Thakur is set to return to the Test team following a solid domestic season. His skillset is particularly useful in conditions favoring seam and swing—expected during the England tour.
Wicket-Keeping Duo Finalized
The wicketkeeper roles will be filled by Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, with Ishan Kishan not in contention despite holding a central contract. This indicates the selectors’ focus on long-format temperament and recent match-readiness.
Middle-Order Revamp
With Kohli’s departure, the middle order will need fresh reinforcement. Shreyas Iyer, once on the fringes, is now being reconsidered for the Test setup—potentially as a direct successor to Kohli’s role at No. 4.
Captaincy Conundrum: Who Leads India’s Next Red-Ball Era?
With Rohit Sharma stepping away and no clear heir named yet, the captaincy debate is heating up—four strong contenders have emerged:
Shubman Gill
Young, composed, and technically astute, Gill represents the generational shift India is embracing. He has captained at the U-19 level and the senior level and could be groomed as a long-term leader if the selectors opt for a fresh start.
Rishabh Pant
Fearless and instinctive, Pant has already led India in limited-overs formats. His recent return from injury and his guaranteed spot in the XI make him a viable candidate, especially if India seeks a dynamic, attacking brand of Test cricket.
KL Rahul
Rahul offers experience, calmness, and has prior leadership stints. While he’s been in and out of the Test squad, his versatility and seniority make him a steady hand during transition.
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah is respected across the cricketing world for his cricketing intellect and consistency. He’s already captained India in a Test (vs England in 2022) and could be a bold pick if India looks to mirror Pat Cummins’ success with Australia.
What the BCCI Must Decide:
Do they hand the reins to youth and build for the next decade, or stabilize the team with an experienced figure during this transitional phase?
Top-Order Transition: Who Replaces Rohit?
One of the big decisions lies at the top of the order. Sai Sudharsan is being heavily considered as a potential long-term opening option. His technique and temperament have impressed scouts, and many view him as a natural successor to Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket.
Bowling Unit: Fresh Blood and Uncertainty
- Mukesh Kumar and Yash Dayal are likely to earn call-ups for their consistency in domestic and IPL formats.
- Khaleel Ahmed remains in the mix but might have to wait a little longer.
- Veteran Mohammed Shami‘s availability remains unclear, adding a layer of uncertainty to the pace battery.
Injury Comeback Hits Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan, despite previously being on the brink of a breakthrough, is unlikely to feature in the England tour due to a recent return from injury. The selectors are expected to wait until he regains full form and rhythm.
Scheduling Challenge Post-IPL 2025
The conclusion of IPL 2025 has been shifted to June 3, complicating selection timelines for the Test tour. To navigate this, selectors are likely to prioritize players from IPL teams that exit during the league stage—ensuring early availability for red-ball preparations.
What’s Next for Indian Test Cricket?
This transitional phase may be the most significant since the retirements of legends like Tendulkar and Dravid. With a blend of proven domestic talent and fresh faces rising from the India A ranks, this England tour could set the foundation for India’s next Test generation.
Expect a team with a new identity—but the same old hunger to dominate.
IMAGE – AP
