BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has shared a major update on when the BCCI is likely to announce the Indian Test squad for the five-match series against England.
Several players are in contention, with the BCCI very invested in choosing an all-round squad for the marquee series. The Test series kickstarts India's WTC 2025-27 campaign. The series starts with the first Test in Manchester on June 20.
Shubman Gill is likely to be named as the vice-captain, as the BCCI is keen on seeing someone young succeed Rohit Sharma as the next Test skipper of the side. Also, Sai Sudharshan is being backed as a backup opener for the series. His defense and technique have impressed the selectors.
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Arshdeep, Kuldeep-MSK's Choices In England
Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, while speaking to The Times of India, said that the BCCI is likely to announce the squad around May 20. This date also coincides with the first qualifier of IPL 2025.
There are concerns regarding the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the format. While Rohit will lead the side in England, the selectors are unsure as to how long he will play the format in the near future.
Former Indian cricketers MSK Prasad and Ravi Shastri have thrown up some names who can be considered for a place in the Test side. Prasad has backed the likes of Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav to be included in the side.
“Jaddu, Washy and Kuldeep are three spinners for me. Jaddu is an automatic pick, Washy as the all-rounder and Kuldeep is a match winner for me. I would not pick Axar Patel for this one. “Arshdeep would be my out of the box pick. In English conditions, you need a left-arm seamer. This guy is able to move the ball both sides. He’s bowling 135s. He’s very, very confident today,” Prasad said.
MSK Prasad, Ravi Shastri Back Sai Sudharsan as Back-Up Opener
MSK Prasad, like Ravi Shastri, has backed the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan in the side as well. He said that the new WTC cycle is the perfect opportunity to start his Test career as the third opener.
“If Rohit is part of the squad, then he opens alongside Jaiswal and Sai can be the backup opener. I will leave to the selectors to take that call. Sai might get his opportunity as the series progresses," said Prasad.
With Jasprit Bumrah just returning from a long-standing back injury, the selectors are not willing to burden him with vice-captaincy duties in the Test series. Gill is their preferred option, and he might be the designated vice-captain in the series as well.
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