As the Indian cricket team prepares for a high-stakes red-ball tour to England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly finalising a 35-member contingent to be split between the India A squad and the main Test side. This tour, beginning with warm-up matches and followed by a five-match series against Ben Stokes-led England, will also mark the start of the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle. The official squad announcement is expected by the second week of May, according to reports.

Amid growing speculation over several senior players, the inclusion of Rohit Sharma has drawn particular attention. Despite a dismal red-ball run from September 2024 to January 2025 where he scored only 155 runs in 13 innings at an average of 10.93, the BCCI has shortlisted him for both the India A and Test teams. His struggles included a particularly poor showing in Australia, managing just 31 runs in five innings. Yet, the selectors are reportedly not prepared to move on from Rohit, especially with the demanding nature of the England series looming. A BCCI source was quoted affirming that the board believes a strong and experienced captain is essential for a tour of this magnitude.

Karun Nair, on the other hand, has made a compelling case for himself after a stellar domestic season. His 863 runs at an average of 53.94, including four centuries, helped Vidarbha clinch their third Ranji Trophy title. Despite this form, his position in the squad is still uncertain as he faces competition from Rajat Patidar. Currently captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025, Patidar had a less-than-impressive Test debut last year, scoring 63 runs in three matches. However, his domestic form — including a blistering 68-ball century and 529 runs for Madhya Pradesh — has kept him in contention. Both the players are expected to be tested during the India A matches that begin shortly after the IPL concludes on May 25.

The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, is also reportedly hesitant about including Sarfaraz Khan, with sources suggesting a lack of confidence from the team management in his Test potential. At least one between Karun Nair and Rajat Patidar is expected to be part of the India A squad.

Meanwhile, the third opener’s spot is likely to go to Sai Sudharsan, while the outlook for Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel appears bleak. Shreyas Iyer was dropped last year after underwhelming performances in the longer format and the final decision on his inclusion is still pending.

One of the most notable developments is the anticipated return of Kuldeep Yadav to the red-ball squad. He is set to replace veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who announced his retirement during the previous tour of Australia. The selectors are also reportedly dissatisfied with Mohammed Siraj’s inability to lead the pace attack effectively in the absence of senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

As India braces for one of its toughest overseas challenges, the selection process reflects a balancing act between sticking with trusted veterans and giving in-form domestic players a chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

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