After Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir eliminates another RCB player from Team India

Just days after Virat Kohli’s shocking retirement from Test cricket, another Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player has been dropped from India contention for the upcoming England tour, and this time he is none other than Rajat Patidar.

A Revsportz journalist claimed that Rajat Patidar is unlikely to be picked for the upcoming India A tour of England. The final list was being worked on till last evening, and while some last-minute changes were made, Patidar’s name didn’t make it.

Rajat Patidar out, Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan in for India A

Instead, Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan are in line to be picked for the India A squad for the three crucial games on the England tour. This decision has raised many eyebrows, especially with the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir’s growing influence behind the scenes.

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A Revsportz journalist posted on X: “Till last evening some last-minute additions in India A sqaud were going on - Rajat Patidar looks difficult for India A - Karun and Sarafaz in. #ENGvIND”

Till last evening some last minute additions in India A sqaud were going on - Rajat Patidar looks difficult for India A - Karun and Sarafaz in #ENGvIND

— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) May 16, 2025

Probable India A squad leaked ahead of England tour

Meanwhile, ahead of India A’s important England tour, a possible squad list is already doing the rounds on the internet. While the official announcement is likely to be made on Friday, May 16, the delay caused by the revised IPL 2025 schedule hasn’t stopped the buzz.

As reported by Firstsports, the India A squad is likely to feature rising stars and comeback contenders. Young guns like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel are set to be seen in action against the England Lions before the main Test series. Ishan Kishan is also set for a red-ball return on the England tour.

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However, the biggest talking point is the inclusion of Karun Nair, who is all set to be stormed back into national contention with remarkable domestic runs. Alongside Nair, consistent performers like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Shardul Thakur are all set to bring experience and versatility to the India A squad for the three-match tour of England.

In the bowling department, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Khaleel Ahmed are likely to lead the pace attack, while Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, and Anshul Kamboj bring spin value.

Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel likely to miss out on England tour

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is a key player in India’s ODI team and has impressed in the IPL too. But in Test cricket, Iyer’s spot isn’t certain. Since his debut against New Zealand in 2021, he has played 14 tests but hasn’t cemented a place in the national team. But Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket could bring Iyer back into the Test scene.

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Apart from Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel might also miss out on the upcoming England tour. While Patel has been regular in India’s Test team at home, the Delhi Capitals captain hasn’t yet proven himself as a reliable all-rounder in overseas conditions.

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, India now needs fresh talents who can handle tough English pitches and score runs. The selectors could take this chance to test some promising young players who might step up for the senior team in the future.