Rohit Sharma Retains Captaincy For England Test Tour; BCCI Shortlists 35 Players For India A Tour

Rohit Sharma will continue to captain the Indian team on the Test tour of England. This news comes as the BCCI selectors have reportedly shortlisted 35 players that will travel to the UK before the 5-Test series.

The crucial five-match Test series against England, which will also mark the beginning of India's new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, is thought to be being prepared for by this tour.

A tour to begin immediately after IPL 2025

The A tour will start roughly a week after the current IPL 2025 concludes, with the final set for May 27.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Test and ODI teams, is anticipated to accompany the India A squad on their trip, according to a TOI report.

Rohit's retention is reportedly all but assured because the BCCI and the national selectors believe a strong and seasoned leader is essential for the forthcoming difficult tour of England.

Rohit Sharma to continue as India captain on England tour

Numerous whispers circulated over a potential change in Test leadership following a subpar showing on the Australia tour.

However, after leading the team to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 championship, Rohit is now probably going to travel with the team as captain.

A BCCI source revealed, “Rohit is most likely to travel as the board feels that one needs a strong captain through the series, which is likely to be as tough as the Australia tour.”

Sarfaraz Khan is apparently not very trusted by the national selectors. Rather, they will probably offer Karun Nair or Rajat Patidar a shot in the A games.

“About the middle order, the team management has shown very little confidence in Sarfaraz Khan’s ability. Nair and Patidar are seasoned red-ball players and are in fine form. It is likely that at least one of them will be on the India A team,” the source added.

Shreyas Iyer’s Test future undecided by BCCI

However, the BCCI has not yet decided on Shreyas Iyer's reinstatement to the Test squad.

After missing domestic games with the Mumbai team, he was later left out of the Central Contracts and the Test squad. He last played a Test match in February 2024 against England.

The source added, “As for Iyer, he was dropped last year based on his poor returns in Test cricket. A final call is yet to be taken.”

Notably, India will play three four-day red-ball matches against England Lions after IPL 2025 as part of their preparations for the high-profile Test series.

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