Will Chief Selector Agarkar and Saikia Finalize India's Squad for England Tests?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As India gears up for a challenging Test series against England, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and Secretary Devajit Saikia have arrived at the BCCI headquarters to finalize the squad. With a historic win in England at stake, this meeting is crucial for India's cricketing future.
Key Takeaways
- Ajit Agarkar and Devajit Saikia are finalizing India's squad for the England Tests.
- India aims to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007.
- The selection was postponed due to the retirements of key players.
- Shubman Gill is a frontrunner for the Test captaincy.
- Several players are set to join the India ‘A’ squad ahead of their match against the England Lions.
Mumbai, May 24 (NationPress) Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and secretary Devajit Saikia have reached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai to finalize India’s team for the forthcoming five-match Test series against England.
Subroto Banerjee, a member of the selection committee, was also spotted arriving at the BCCI headquarters for this significant meeting.
The crucial Test series against England is set to run from June 20 to August 4, with venues including Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. India is striving to win a Test series on English soil for the first time since 2007.
The selection process for the Test squad was originally supposed to occur earlier but was delayed by two weeks following Rohit Sharma’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket, shortly followed by Virat Kohli’s departure from the format as well.
Currently, Shubman Gill is considered a leading candidate to assume the role of India’s next Test captain. However, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are also strong contenders. Gill, aged 25, has garnered acclaim for his effective leadership of Gujarat Titans, steering them into the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Gill and his GT opening partner Sai Sudharsan are expected to join the India ‘A’ squad before their second match against the England Lions in Northampton. Other hopefuls for the Test squad, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan, along with their India ‘A’ teammates, are likely to depart for England on May 25 ahead of the opening match on May 30.
Players such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Harshit Rana, and Harsh Dubey are expected to leave for England from New Delhi on the morning of May 26. This will occur after they participate in the IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday evening - a game that marks the season's final outing for both teams, already eliminated from contention.
Point of View
It is essential to reflect on the significance of these selections for India's cricketing future. With seasoned players stepping away, a new generation must rise to the occasion. The upcoming series against England represents not only a challenge but also an opportunity for India to reclaim its stature in international cricket.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Chief Selector for India?
The Chief Selector for India is Ajit Agarkar.
When does the Test series against England start?
The Test series against England starts on June 20.
What venues will host the Test matches?
The venues include Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.
Who are the potential candidates for India's Test captain?
Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are considered strong candidates.
Why was the squad selection delayed?
The selection was delayed due to Rohit Sharma's and Virat Kohli's recent retirements from Test cricket.
