The Indian cricket team is getting ready for a big challenge – a five-match Test series in England. The tour starts on June 20 and ends on August 4, with matches held at five different venues. The selectors are expected to announce the squad very soon. But they face some major questions after India’s poor show in the last Test series against Australia.
Let’s take a look at the biggest problems the selectors need to solve – and some new names that could be part of the new-look Test team.
1. Who Will Lead India in Tests Now?
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Rohit Sharma has shocked fans by stepping down from Test cricket. This leaves a big hole in the team not just as a player but also as captain.
Now the selectors must find a new leader. Two strong names have come up:
- Jasprit Bumrah – He led India to a big win in the first Test in Australia and played as vice-captain later.
- Shubman Gill – A young star who has shown maturity in Tests. Some see him as a long-term option.
Picking a captain is not just about talent—it’s about calm decision-making, leadership, and experience. The selectors need to be very smart with this call.
2. A Weak Batting Line-up?
Without Rohit Sharma and possibly even Virat Kohli (rumors say he might retire from Tests too), India’s batting looks weak. The team collapsed in key moments during the Australia series, except for a few players.
The names who stood out were:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Aggressive and confident.
- KL Rahul – Solid and experienced, handled pace attacks well.
But the middle order was disappointing. So now, the selectors may try fresh faces.
New options they can consider:
- Sai Sudharsan – Performed well in IPL and domestic cricket.
- Devdutt Padikkal – Stylish left-hander with good technique.
- Karun Nair – Has a triple century in Tests. Still has the hunger to prove himself.
Another big name to watch is Rishabh Pant. Though his IPL form is poor, he can be a match-winner in red-ball cricket if he finds his rhythm.
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3. India’s Spin Attack Looks Weak Without Ashwin
One of India’s greatest spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin, retired during the Australia series. That was a big blow. The team then used Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, but they couldn’t make a big impact.
Now, the team must find new spin options.
Top picks for spin department:
- Kuldeep Yadav – A wrist-spinner who can turn matches if given confidence.
- Axar Patel – Handy with the ball and bat. Has done well in white-ball games recently.
India also needs to think long-term. They must start grooming young spinners now for future overseas tours.
4. Fast Bowlers and Bench Strength
India still has good pace options, which is a plus when touring England. Along with Bumrah, bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh can be handy with the swinging Dukes ball.
They may also consider young speedsters like:
- Akash Deep – Had a great domestic season.
- Mayank Yadav – Known for raw pace and aggression.
Strong bench strength will help the team rotate bowlers across five tough Tests.
5. Selectors Need to Think Beyond One Series
This England tour could start a new era in Indian Test cricket. It’s not just about winning matches it’s about building a future squad. The new captain, fresh batters, and spinners could form the next core for 5–6 years.
The team may lose some matches in the short term, but if the selectors back young players with clear roles, India can dominate again soon.
Also Read: Following Rohit, Virat Kohli Reportedly Signals Intent To Retire From Test Cricket
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