Rohit Sharma's India captaincy under dark clouds despite Champions Trophy campaign

Veteran opener Rohit Sharma’s future as India’s Test captain was under scrutiny following a disappointing performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, Rohit Sharma will continue leading the team in the upcoming Test series against England, according to the latest report by PTI.

India didn't qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final after a 3-1 series loss to Australia. India had inconsistent batting performances throughout the tour. Rohit managed just 31 runs in three matches. Ahead of the final Test in Sydney, he stepped aside from the XI, with Jasprit Bumrah leading.

Rohit Sharma Expected to Lead India in England Tests

Rohit Sharma is likely to retain his role as captain for the upcoming England tour despite Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia. The selectors are not expected to make a change, especially after the triumph in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

"Rohit Sharma is expected to lead the India senior team in England despite his modest outings and two Test series defeats against New Zealand and Australia," the report claimed.

Rohit's 2021 tour of England, under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, was a memorable moment in his overseas Test career. He amassed 368 runs across eight innings at an impressive average of 52.57. Sharma scored a match-winning century at The Oval.

Rohit Sharma's Recent Form as a Test Batter and Captain Raises Concerns

Rohit Sharma's recent form as a Test batter and captain has raised concerns, with India losing five of their last six matches under his leadership, including a whitewash at home against New Zealand. The right-handed batter has scored just one half-century in his last 15 Test innings since September 2024.

Rohit's red-ball struggles didn't impact his white-ball performance. The 37-year-old batter guided India to eight consecutive ODI victories, including a dominant 3-0 series win over England at home. He then led the national team on an unbeaten run to claim the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title in Dubai.

Selectors to Announce India Squad for England Series on...

The report added that the Indian squad for the Test series against England is expected to be picked at the end of IPL 2025. The BCCI selection panel will finalize the lineup just before the tournament's knockout phase or soon after, ensuring they have a clear understanding of player availability.

"There is enough time to announce the squad, mostly ahead of the knockouts or just after those matches. You will then get a clear picture as to which players are available by then," a source close to the development told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

A few of India’s key players are expected to feature in the ‘A’ team for two four-day matches against the Lions in May-June. These games will serve as preparation for the upcoming five-Test series against England.

The first Test is scheduled at Headingley on June 20. Notably, the team will be aiming for their first Test series victory on English soil since 2007.