New Delhi: As India gears up for their grueling five-match Test tour of England, a significant development has shaken the cricketing world: Rohit Sharma, the Indian Test skipper, is set to skip the series, primarily due to his recent struggles with the bat in red-ball cricket. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is expected to retain his spot in the squad, offering a sense of stability amid uncertainty.
Rohit’s decision comes after a disappointing outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he managed a mere 31 runs in three matches, culminating in him dropping himself for the final Test in Sydney. Despite his well-documented struggles, Sharma has previously dismissed any speculation about retirement from Test cricket. However, this latest move has inevitably raised questions about his future in the format.
India’s tour of England will kick off with the first Test at Headingley on June 20. The team will be bolstered by some of their frontline players, who will initially be part of the India A squad facing the Lions in two four-day matches in May and June. These preparatory matches are crucial, as they provide an opportunity for players to acclimate to English conditions ahead of the series. The Indian Premier League (IPL) knockouts, scheduled for later in May, will precede these matches, allowing selectors ample time to finalize the India A squad.
One player who stands out as a potential inclusion is Karun Nair. His impressive form in the 2024-25 domestic season, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, where he was the fourth highest run-getter with 863 runs, makes him a strong candidate. Notably, his prolific batting helped Vidarbha secure their third Ranji title by defeating Kerala in the final.
