After the conclusion of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season, the Indian Cricket Team will embark on a five-match Test tour to England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already readied a pool of players for what promises to be cracking five Test matches against England. Rohit Sharma, the incumbent skipper of the Test team, is on the shortlist of players.
According to a TOI report, around 35 players have been shortlisted and are to be divided between India 'A' and Test teams. Several speculations were going around that Rohit Sharma might not make it to the Test squad, considering his poor run of form in the Test format. However, the board and the selectors are not yet ready to give up on Rohit the Test opener, as well as on his leadership skills.
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The board has also started to plan on arranging travel plans. The five-member selection panel is expected to pick the teams by the second week of May. The one major headache for the Ajit Agarkar-led panel will be to identify a solid middle-order batter at the number five and six positions. It is understood that the selectors are looking at Rajat Patidar and Karun Nair as options to fill the gaping hole.
The two batters could be tried in the same position during the India 'A' series, which begins within a week after the IPL ends on May 25. Notably, Shreyas Iyer and DC skipper Axar Patel have not been included in the shortlist.
"Rohit is most likely to travel as the board feels that one needs a strong captain through the series, which is likely to be as tough as the Australia tour. With regard to middle-order, the team management has shown little confidence in Sarfaraz's ability. Nair and Patidar are seasoned red-ball players and are in fine form. At least one of them will likely be in the India 'A' team. As for Iyer, he was dropped last year based on his poor returns in Test cricket. A final call is yet to be taken," a BCCI official said.
Also Read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre set to tour England with India U19 Team: Reports
Sai Sudarshan & Kuldeep Yadav in 35 shortlist players for England tour
Sai Sudarshan is also considered for the five-Test series against England as the third opener. Another interesting name is that of Kuldeep Yadav. The Chinaman has been out of favor in the Test team due to the presence of Ravi Ashwin and Jadeja. However, the former's retirement has offered him another chance.
It is almost certain that the selectors are going to carry a decent amount of traveling players, which will largely comprise backup pacers for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, besides one or two spinners. Some of the regulars of the Test team will be asked to get some game time during the India 'A' team in one of three first-class games.
