Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane to be picked for England tour? Report makes huge revelation

India’s Test squad is all set to undergo a complete transformation following Rohit Sharma’s retirement and Virat Kohli’s alleged decision to step away from the longest format of the game. The focus has now quickly turned to experience and leadership in the dressing room.

However, the Indian selectors have made one thing clear that there will be no looking back, ruling out the return of the seasoned batters Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara to the national side for the upcoming five-match Test series in England.

No way back for Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara as India eyes Test overhaul

Despite fans and experts bringing up Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara’s names as possible stabilizers in the middle order, RevSportz revealed that the sources confirmed that the Indian selectors have shut the door on both Rahane and Pujara.

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The sources further revealed that the Indian selectors’ priority is to build a fresh team that will last the entire new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. Instead of filling short-term gaps, the selection panel is now reportedly pushing for long-term solutions, even if it means trusting young and relatively inexperienced players on the Test team.

Reports also revealed that the Indian selectors are focused on finding someone who can lead the team through the full WTC cycle, not just a temporary fix. The BCCI will announce the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series on May 19 or 20.

Indian players set to travel to England early

Meanwhile, sources have revealed that with the IPL 2025 resumption dates still unclear, some Indian players could be sent to England earlier than planned. This move is aimed at helping them get used to the English conditions well ahead of the big Test series.

Well, if Virat Kohli decides to retire from Test cricket, the biggest question will be who takes over the crucial No. 4 batting position.

One name that is making rounds among the fans and cricket experts is Sai Sudharsan, who has impressed with consistent performances in county cricket, the IPL, and domestic matches. Sai has also been in great form for the Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2025.

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Sai Sudharsan could replace Virat Kohli if he retires from Test cricket

With the national selectors focusing on long-term options, Sai Sudharsan could be given an extended run to settle into the role. Notably, Kohli has played 46 World Test Championship matches since its start in 2019 and scored 2617 runs with five centuries and 11 fifties.

He is India’s second-highest run-scorer in the WTC and also led the team to the final in the first edition (2019-21), finishing as runners-up, losing the trophy to New Zealand. Well, England toured India in early 2024 for a five-match Test series, but Kohli missed all the games due to the birth of his second child. Still, India had won the Test series convincingly with a 4-1 scoreline.

And now, when India is all set to travel to England for the five-match Test series, this time also, there is no clarity about the former Indian skipper’s availability.