India Test squad for England 2025 announcement by BCCI done

The suspense over India’s red-ball plans is about to end, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the squad for the upcoming Test tour of England will be finalized in two weeks during the IPL 2025 playoffs.

The Indian cricket team is all set to face England in a five-match Test series starting June 20, which will mark the beginning of the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The selection committee has big decisions to make, including the selection of the reserve openers, fast bowlers, and possibly new vice-captains for the England tour.

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BCCI to name India’s Test squad for England tour around May 20 during IPL 2025 Playoffs

Now, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed to the Times of India that the Test squad for India's upcoming tour of England will be announced in two weeks' time, roughly around May 20. It is being said that the Indian selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is set to meet before the IPL 2025 final to discuss India’s squad for the upcoming Test series in England.

However, the BCCI secretary has kept tight lips on whether senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of the Test squad for the upcoming England tour. He stated that the final call will be made by the selectors, keeping all options open ahead of the big Test series starting June 20.

Before the senior players travel to England, BCCI will send India 'A' team to play three four-day matches against the England Lions starting May 30. A few senior Test players are expected to be part of this tour to prepare for the main Test series and could fly to England as early as May 25.

Read Also: "It's a crime": Hardik Pandya blames himself and Deepak Chahar for MI's loss to GT

Gambhir keeps the door open for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Tests

Meanwhile, there’s growing talk about whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue in Test cricket, and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has made it clear only performers get selected in the squad, further increasing uncertainty over their future.

Gautam Gambhir was quoted as saying by ABP News, “Till the time they (Rohit and Kohli) are performing, they should be part of the team. When you start and when you end is your individual decision. No coach, no selector, and no BCCI can tell you when you should call it quits. If you perform, then why 40? You can jolly well play till 45—who's stopping you?”

Gambhir also opened up about his relationship with Virat Kohli, as the duo was involved in some on-field altercation in the past. However, the Indian head coach said that he has always shared a good friendship with Kohli and that their relationship will stay the same in the future.

The coach signed off by saying, “We were friends, we are friends, and we are going to remain friends, and the reason why I say that is it is important, it is important for every one of you to know that on the field what happens.”

England vs India Test Series Schedule:

First Test: June 20-24 at Headingly, Leeds

Second Test: July 2-6 at Edgbaston, Birmingham

Third Test: July 10-14 at Lord’s, London

Fourth Test: July 23-27 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

Fifth Test: July 31-August 4 at The Kia Oval, London

Read Also: "It felt like a Test match": Shubman Gill after GT beat MI in IPL thriller