Hello, cricket lovers! The India Test squad is out. It’s for the England tour. Big news came on May 24, 2025. Karun Nair and Arshdeep Singh made it. But Sarfaraz Khan and Mohammed Shami didn’t. Why? Let’s dig in. The tour starts on June 20. It’s five Tests long. Shubman Gill is the new captain. Rishabh Pant is his deputy. Jasprit Bumrah is back but won’t play all the games.
Ajit Agarkar picks the team. He said fitness and experience count. Karun Nair smashed runs in domestic cricket. Arshdeep Singh knows county cricket. Sarfaraz Khan missed chances in Australia. Mohammed Shami isn’t fit yet. This squad is special. It’s the first without Rohit and Kohli. New players will shine. The Indian cricket team is ready. Want to know more? Keep reading!
Why Was Karun Nair Picked?
Karun Nair is in the India Test squad after being a godfather in domestic cricket. He bats in the middle. His last Test was in 2017. Why is he back? Ajit Agarkar shared why. Nair has experience. He’s played Test cricket before. He knows county cricket too. That’s big for England. He scored tons of runs lately. In 2024-25, he rocked it.
He got 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy. That’s nine games, with an average of 53.93. He hit four hundreds, two fifties. In Vijay Hazare, he scored 779. That’s five centuries in eight games! Agarkar said, “Karun has heaps of runs.” India lost Virat Kohli. They need experience now. Only KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant know England.
Nair can guide the young cricketers. His selection criteria were solid. Fans cheer his return. Domestic cricket hard work paid off. He’s set for the England tour. Nair is a key batter. India hopes he scores big like in CT 2025 against New Zealand.
Nair’s Awesome Domestic Runs
Karun Nair ruled domestic cricket. He played for Vidarbha. In the Ranji Trophy, he shone bright. He scored 863 runs in 16 innings. His average was 53.93. He smashed four hundreds, two fifties. In Vijay Hazare, he got 779 runs. That’s five centuries in eight games! His selection criteria stood out. He earned his spot. The BCCI selection saw his effort. Fans adore his comeback. He’s ready for Test cricket in England after Rohit Sharma’s retirement.
Why Did Arshdeep Singh Make It?
Arshdeep Singh joined the India Test squad. He’s a left-arm bowler. It’s his first time. Why him? Ajit Agarkar explained it. Arshdeep played county cricket in 2023. He bowled for Kent. He knows England’s pitches. He’s tall and swings the ball. India lacks left-arm bowlers. Agarkar said, “He’s a quality bowler.” He played five County matches. He also bowled in Duleep and Ranji.
His selection criteria focus on variety. India has right-arm bowlers. Arshdeep stands out. He’s in good form. The England tour needs five bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah won’t play every Test. Arshdeep fills the gap. He’s young and excited. Fans can’t wait to see him. Test cricket is new for him. He’s up for it. India wants its wickets. Workload management matters too. Arshdeep helps the Indian cricket team. His debut will be fun!
Why Was Sarfaraz Khan Left Out?
Sarfaraz Khan missed the India Test squad. He’s a young batter. Why no spot? Ajit Agarkar told us. Sarfaraz played six Tests. He got twin fifties on debut. He scored 150 in Bengaluru. His average is 37.10. But he didn’t play in Australia. India wanted experience. Agarkar said, “We make tough calls.” Karun Nair has more Tests. He’s been to England. Sarfaraz faded after his hundred.
The BCCI selection picked the best. It’s hard but needed. Fans feel bad for him. He improved his fitness. Still, selection criteria ruled. India needs a strong middle. Nair fits better now. Sarfaraz might return later. He’s young and skilled and can be a star after Kohli’s retirement. The England tour is key. India aims to win. Experience won this time. Sarfaraz will grow from this. He’ll be back stronger.
Why Isn’t Mohammed Shami Playing?
Mohammed Shami isn’t in the India Test squad. He’s a star bowler. Why not? Ajit Agarkar gave reasons. Shami had ankle surgery in 2024. He’s still healing. He played in the IPL and the Champions Trophy. His last Test was in 2023. He’s not ready for Tests. Agarkar said, “His workload isn’t enough.” Shami had a setback. He got MRIs done. Doctors said he’s unfit. India hoped he’d play some Tests. But fitness issues stopped it.
Health comes first. Fans miss him. He wins matches. The England tour is long. Five Tests need fit bowlers. India chose others. Arshdeep Singh steps up. Shami will watch from home. He’ll return when fit. The Indian cricket team cares for him. Workload management is smart. Shami’s break makes sense.
Gill’s Journey to Captaincy
Shubman Gill’s story is inspiring. He began playing cricket at a young age. Born in Punjab, he loved batting. He joined junior teams early. In 2018, he stood out. He helped India win the Under-19 World Cup. People saw his talent then. Later, he played IPL. He started with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Then, he joined the Gujarat Titans. He even led some IPL games. His calm nature showed there. In domestic cricket, he was amazing. He scored lots for Punjab. In the Ranji Trophy, he averaged over 50. His Test debut was in 2020. He faced Australia bravely.
Now, he’s played 32 Tests. He’s scored 1893 runs. His average is 35.05. That’s pretty good! Challenges came his way, too. Some away games were tough. But he kept improving. At 25, he’s now a captain. It’s a huge moment. The Indian team trusts him. Fans can’t wait to see more. His journey motivates young players.
Gill’s Leadership Style
Shubman Gill leads quietly. He stays calm always. He’s not loud or pushy. His batting leads the way. He plays with focus. His teammates like that. In IPL, he captained the Gujarat Titans. He made smart choices. He helped new players grow, though he had been beaten by Zimbabwe in the 2024 tour.
What Gill’s Role Means for Indian Cricket?
Shubman Gill’s captaincy at 25 is a thrilling change. After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped away, India wanted someone new. Gill’s bursting with cool ideas. The big five-Test series against England will push him hard. If he wins, India could climb high in the World Test Championship—a prize they’re chasing.
Gill’s spirit lifts the whole team. Young players see him as a hero to follow. His job as captain shakes up cricket’s future in a good way. The selectors made a brave pick, and fans can’t stop chatting about it. Can he take the heat? We’ll find out soon. With Gill leading, Indian cricket feels alive and new!
Conclusion
What a squad for the England tour! The India Test squad is set. Karun Nair and Arshdeep Singh are in. Sarfaraz Khan and Mohammed Shami are out. It’s a big choice. Selection criteria picked experience and fitness. Nair’s domestic cricket runs are huge. Arshdeep’s county cricket skills help.
Sarfaraz needs more time. Shami needs to recover. Ajit Agarkar planned it well. Shubman Gill leads the young cricketers. Rishabh Pant backs him up. Jasprit Bumrah bowls but rests too. The tour starts on June 20. It’s five Tests of fun. The Indian cricket team is ready. Fans will love it. New stars will rise. Test cricket gets exciting now. Cheer for India. They’ll do great!
