Your Attractive India vs England 2025 Test Squad Announcement: Squads, Stadiums & Timelines

The anticipation for the 2025 India tour of England peaked on May 24, 2025, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially revealed its Test squad for the upcoming five-match Test series. This selection kicks off India’s campaign in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle and sets the stage for an intense summer of red-ball cricket in some of England’s most iconic venues. Here’s everything you need to know who made the cut, where they’ll play, and the storylines to watch.

1. Announcement Overview

Date of Announcement: May 24, 2025
Number of Players Named: 18
Leadership Group:
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice-Captain & Wicket-keeper: Rishabh Pant

Selectors balanced seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, aiming to blend stability and dynamism for conditions that can swing between seaming green tops and spin-friendly tracks.

2. Selection Philosophy & Test Squad Leadership

2.1 The New Leadership Duo

Shubman Gill (Captain)

Shubman Gill, at just 25 years old, has officially taken over the reins as India’s Test captain, marking a bold generational shift in Indian cricket. This is his first assignment as full-time red-ball skipper following the transition from Rohit Sharma. His elevation signals a fresh, long-term vision from the selectors, who are betting on Gill’s composure, modern approach, and hunger for success. Having already led Gujarat Titans in the IPL with maturity, Gill now faces the challenge of guiding India through the high-pressure conditions of an English Test series.

“This is not just a captaincy change, it’s the beginning of a new era in India’s Test journey,” said a senior BCCI official during the squad announcement.

Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicket-keeper)

Rishabh Pant makes an emotional and much-anticipated return to the Test squad after nearly two years away from international red-ball cricket. His career was put on hold after a serious car accident in December 2022, followed by months of recovery and rehabilitation. Pant’s inclusion as vice-captain and first-choice wicketkeeper shows the immense faith the team management still places in him, not just as a player, but as a leader.

Known for his fearless approach, sharp instincts behind the stumps, and ability to single-handedly shift momentum, Pant’s return adds firepower to India’s middle order. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see him resume his role as a game-changer in whites.

2.2 Youth Power in the Test Squad

England’s summer pitches range from the swing-friendly Lord’s to the traditionally flatter grounds like The Oval. India’s test squad thus features players who can pivot between patient defense and aggressive strokeplay, depending on match situations.

3. Batting Lineup: From Experience to Enthusiasm

3.1 Top Order

Shubman Gill (C): A technically flawless opener who averages above 50 in Tests, Gill provides a solid platform.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Known for his audacious strokeplay, Jaiswal adds flair after Gill’s anchor role.
KL Rahul: Veteran elegance meets reliability; Rahul’s calm under pressure makes him a key No. 3.

3.2 Middle Order

Abhimanyu Easwaran: A gritty run-maker with a knack for grinding out sessions on sticky pitches.
Karun Nair: Returns for his ability to switch gears; capable of big scores when set.
Sai Sudharsan (Debutant): The left-handed prodigy earned his maiden call-up after a stellar Ranji Trophy season, showcasing a range of shots all around the wicket.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: A promising youngster whose textbook technique and temperament impressed against touring sides.

4. Wicket-Keeping & All-Round Options

Rishabh Pant (VC & WK): Beyond leadership, Pant’s explosive batting can turn matches in a session.
Dhruv Jurel (Backup WK): A surprise inclusion at 23, Jurel’s glovework and lower-order resilience offer depth.
Ravindra Jadeja (All-Rounder): A world-class fielder, left-arm spinner, and dependable No. 7 bat, Jadeja is the team’s glue.
Shardul Thakur: His knack for taking crucial wickets and useful runs makes him India’s go-to bowling all-rounder.

5. Bowling Attack: Pace, Precision & Variety

5.1 Seamers

Jasprit Bumrah: The spearhead, with an unerring yorker and lethal seam movement.
Mohammed Siraj: Brings aggression and bounce, complementing Bumrah’s craft.
Arshdeep Singh: Known for swing and disciplined lines, especially early on.
Prasidh Krishna & Akash Deep: Both express-paced bowlers added for rotation and raw pace.

5.2 Spinners

Kuldeep Yadav: Left-arm wrist spin offers a different angle and turn, especially useful on wearing pitches.
Washington Sundar: Off-spin tweaker whose accuracy can strangle scoring rates late in games.

Together, this seam-spin combination ensures that India’s test squad can tackle any English surface by rotating bowlers and exploiting conditions.

6. Fixtures & Venues: A Tour Across England

The series runs from June 20 to August 4, 2025, moving through five historic grounds:

Test No.	Venue	City	Dates
1	Headingley	Leeds	June 20 – 24, 2025
2	Edgbaston	Birmingham	July 2 – 6, 2025
3	Lord’s	London	July 10 – 14, 2025
4	Old Trafford	Manchester	July 23 – 27, 2025
5	The Oval	London	July 31 – Aug 4, 2025

Headingley: Famous for the 1981 “Botham’s Test,” it offers swing and seam, challenging openers.
Edgbaston: Known for its battling pitch, often yielding results inside four days.
Lord’s: The “Home of Cricket,” with a slope that can influence seam movement.
Old Trafford: Offers turn later in the match, favoring spinners in the fourth innings.
The Oval: Traditionally a flatter pitch, it often produces batting spectacles and high-scoring draws.

7. What to Expect: Key Battles & Storylines

New Captain vs. Old Guard
- How will Gill’s tactical nous stack up against England’s experienced leadership under Ben Stokes?
Seam vs. Swing
- England’s Dukes ball promises prodigious swing; can Bumrah and Siraj reverse the exploration?
Spin in the Fourth Innings
- Kuldeep and Jadeja will be tested on pitches primed for turn, will India’s bowling all-rounders rise to the occasion?
Rising Stars
- Watch for debutants like Sudharsan and Jurel to announce themselves on the grand stage.

8. Implications for the World Test Championship

This series holds double weight: each Test contributes points toward the 2025–27 Championship. India aims to defend their title and maintain top ranking, while England, rebuilding after a lean patch, eyes momentum at home. The performance of this test squad will shape team confidence leading into away assignments in South Africa and the subcontinent.

9. How to Follow the Action

Live Broadcast: Hotstar (India), Sky Sports (UK), and various regional broadcasters.
Streaming & Updates: Bookmark Aaj Ka Update for daily player profiles, match previews, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Social Media: Follow @BCCI and @ECB_cricket for real-time highlights and press conferences.

10. Conclusion

The India vs England 2025 Test squad announcement set tongues wagging few tours promise such a blend of tradition and transformation. From Gill’s captaincy debut to the test of India’s bench strength in English conditions, every session should brim with drama. Whether you’re a die-hard fan tracking bowling spells at Old Trafford or a newcomer intrigued by Test cricket’s strategic depth, this series is must-watch. Gear up for five unforgettable Tests, and keep this post handy to track squads, stadiums, and schedules as the summer unfolds.