India Test Squad 2025 Announced | Shubman Gill to Lead vs England

India’s Squad for England Test Series 2025 Announced | Shubman Gill Named Captain

Summary
BCCI has announced a fresh-look 18-member India Test squad for the five-match England tour starting June 20.
Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s new Test captain, with Rishabh Pant named vice-captain.
The series will begin in Leeds and conclude at The Oval, with five matches spread over six weeks.
New faces like Nitish Reddy and Karun Nair return, while experienced campaigners Bumrah, Jadeja, and Siraj form the core.
This transition signals a new era in India’s red-ball journey post Rohit Sharma’s retirement.

Shubman Gill to Lead India into New Era as England Test Series Squad Announced

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday confirmed the much-anticipated 18-member squad for India’s upcoming Test series in England, which begins on June 20, 2025. Marking the start of a fresh red-ball leadership chapter, Shubman Gill has been named the Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma, while Rishabh Pant has been appointed vice-captain for the five-match tour.

This landmark series will test India’s bench strength and leadership evolution as the team takes on England in their own backyard a country that has historically posed a stiff challenge to visiting sides.

Shubman Gill Takes Charge of Indian Red-Ball Cricket

In what many believe is a long-term strategic call by selectors, Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading India's Test side. The 25-year-old, who has impressed with his composure, technique, and temperament across formats, will now be India’s youngest full-time Test captain in over two decades.

Gill’s recent red-ball form, both domestically and internationally, has been consistent. His ability to absorb pressure, particularly on seaming tracks, will be critical as India look to break their overseas hoodoo in England.

Alongside him, Rishabh Pant makes his much-celebrated return as vice-captain and wicketkeeper, marking a full-circle moment after his near career-threatening car accident in 2022. His comeback adds dynamism to India’s middle order and depth behind the stumps.

Fresh Faces and Balanced Core Define India’s 18-Member Squad

The squad strikes a thoughtful balance between seasoned performers and emerging talent. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj form the core of India’s attack, offering a proven mix of pace and spin.

Young inclusions such as Nitish Reddy, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran reflect BCCI’s forward-thinking approach. Reddy, known for his gritty batting and ability to contribute with the ball, has impressed in recent India A tours. Easwaran and Sudharsan have both piled up runs in domestic cricket and provide stability at the top.

In a surprise but strategic move, Karun Nair makes a return to the squad, likely slotting into a middle-order backup role. His triple century in Chennai against England still resonates with selectors and fans alike.

Complete Squad Overview

India’s 18-member squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

With Dhruv Jurel serving as backup keeper and Washington Sundar offering all-round flexibility, India seems to be preparing for all kinds of conditions England might offer.

Fixture Schedule: England vs India 2025 Test Series

The five-Test series will begin at Headingley, Leeds and continue through prestigious venues like Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. The fixtures will stretch from June 20 to August 4, promising six weeks of riveting red-ball action.

Match Schedule

• 1st Test: June 20–24 | Headingley, Leeds

• 2nd Test: July 2–6 | Edgbaston, Birmingham

• 3rd Test: July 10–14 | Lord’s, London

• 4th Test: July 23–27 | Old Trafford, Manchester

• 5th Test: July 31–Aug 4 | The Oval, London

India will be aiming to secure their first Test series win in England since the historic 2007 tour under Rahul Dravid.

The Bigger Picture: WTC Points and Strategic Transition

This series holds significant World Test Championship (WTC) implications for both teams. With England already in rebuilding mode under Ben Stokes, India’s new captain-coach dynamic led by Shubman Gill and (likely) Rahul Dravid or his successor could shape the trajectory of India’s next WTC cycle.

It is also a litmus test for Gill’s leadership under foreign conditions, as well as for the depth of India’s bench strength, with multiple new names ready to seize their moments.