The ICC Test series is back, and India’s squad for England 2025 has caught everyone off guard. This time, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not participate. Two giants of Indian cricket are missing from the squad, and fans are still trying to soak it in. Kohli’s fierce presence and Rohit’s calm leadership always shaped India’s red-ball game. Their absence feels like a bold shift that no one expected this soon.
For years, these two names were fixtures in the Test arena. Now, the team looks fresh, young, and full of surprises. Curiosity is rising faster than ever. Who will open? Who’s leading the charge? Will this team shine in swinging English conditions?
England 2025 is more than just another overseas tour—it’s a whole new chapter. No wonder Fresh faces are ready to show their grit, and strategies feel sharper than before. The only concern is if the new faces will be able to take the trophy home! This blog walks you through everything—who’s in, who’s out, and what this big change could mean for Indian Test cricket going forward. Get ready—it’s a whole new ball game.
Why Kohli and Rohit Are Missing
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two India Test icons, both stepped away in May 2025. Kohli announced his retirement on May 12, bringing to a close a vibrant 14-year Test journey. Just days earlier, Rohit shared his retirement news on May 7. This news came as a big surprise and quickly spread across the cricket world.
Many believe that age and the non-stop nature of cricket may have contributed to this decision. But who knows!
Despite this, the BCCI views this as an opportunity to refresh their squad and introduce young talent ahead of the 2025–2027 cycle. While some fans worry about the void left by these legends, some are excited to see the thrill.
Fans had mixed reactions. Some called it the end of a golden era, while others welcomed the fresh start. Social media buzzed with emotional posts, tributes, and memories from past Test wins. Even though they’ve stepped back, Kohli and Rohit’s legacy will always stay strong in Indian cricket.
The New Test Squad: Who’s In For the WTC Final
India’s journey in Test cricket has seen big moments, bold turns, and plenty of drama. Now, with Kohli and Rohit out, all eyes are on the fresh faces stepping into the spotlight. This time, the squad for the WTC Final brings a mix of young energy and reliable names. Let’s know who’s set to wear the whites this time:
Wicketkeepers
- Rishabh Pant (wk, vice‑captain)
- KL Rahul
- Ishan Kishan
- Dhruv Jurel
Batters
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Karun Nair (returning)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
All‑Rounders
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Shardul Thakur
Bowlers
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Arshdeep Singh
- Added cover: Harshit Rana joins for the first Test as injury backup
Young Blood – The Stars of the New Team
India’s Test squad for the WTC Final 2025 brings in fresh faces with bold confidence and fearless game plans. Their talent could shake up the squad and surprise fans and rivals alike. The England tour will be their first big acid test in swinging conditions. Their performance may define this new chapter in Indian Test cricket. Let’s meet the newest faces in the squad:
- Sai Sudharsan grabbed a surprise maiden Test call-up recently . He’s shown he can bat anywhere and brings promise to the top order.
- Arshdeep Singh earned his first Test berth for the England tour. His swing skills could trouble batters in British conditions.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy, who debuted last November, returns with flair. He adds powerful bat-and-ball ability.
- Dhruv Jurel steps in as a new wicketkeeper. Young and agile, he can steady the innings from behind the stumps.
Strengths of This New-Look Indian Test Team
This new Indian Test team steps into the spotlight with fresh energy and fearless spirit. They carry hunger in their eyes and plenty of skill in their hands. Expect lively battles, sharp moves, and plenty of surprises on the field. Let’s explore more about the team’s strength:
- Bold batting up top brings energy and fearlessness. Gill, Jaiswal, Pant and Rahul know how to attack without overthinking.
- Young leadership under Shubman Gill blends calm smartness with spirited intent. That mix could unsettle England.
- Depth in seam bowling gives India swing options with Bumrah, Siraj, Arshdeep and Prasidh for England’s bowler-friendly wickets.
- Spinner Kuldeep and Jadeja duo add bite on helpful pitches and control when the swing drops away.
- Fielding energy feels alive. This team looks sharper, fitter, and more alert right now.
- Strong dressing room spirit shows already—jokes at Heathrow and light banter signal real team chemistry.
Challenges Ahead in the England Series
The Indian team looks fresh and full of promise, but the road in England won’t be easy. This tour is a real test of patience, sharp decisions, and strong nerves under foreign skies.
- Limited Test experience in some players: A few in the squad have barely played long red-ball cricket. That lack of time in long innings could lead to poor shot calls under fatigue.
- England’s deep bench adds pressure: England fields both veterans and fresh faces. That variety keeps their squad strong and flexible.
- Home advantage for England: They know their pitches and cloud patterns. That local knowledge could tip swing and seam battles in their favour.
- Weight of replacing legends: Spectators expect big from this young Indian group. Carrying Kohli and Rohit’s legacy is no light job.
- Weather & Dukes ball test defence: Damp skies and a hard English ball punish loose shots. One bad move can shift a session completely.
- Roaring crowds may rattle minds: English stands stay loud in big moments. Even solid players might feel the heat under such raucous support.
What This Means for the Future of Indian Cricket
India now faces an exciting new path. Dropping legends opens doors for fresh leaders and bright talent. This journey could reshape India’s Test story for years to come.
- Long-term train of talent: India seems ready to build for 2027. Heads talk about new openers and spinning core aces in future squads. This path should give time for slow starters to grow strong.
- New voices in the captain’s room: Gill steps up as captain. BCCI trusts him for more than just one series . Players like Pant, Jadeja, or even Hardik could emerge next in line. That should mean smooth changeover, not chaos.
- Eyes on WTC 2027: This new chapter starts now, under England skies. If all clicks, India could fight for another World Test Championship in 2027. Team strength plus captain choice now feels made for that goal.
- Legacy meets new spark: Losing Rohit, Kohli, and Ashwin stings. Yet, legends like Ponting and Swann think India still hold lots of cricket magic. This mix of old warmth and new energy may keep fans falling in love again.
Powerful Tips For Fantasy Bettors
Fantasy cricket isn’t just luck—it’s all about smart picks, match awareness, and keeping an eye on form. You don’t need a team full of stars to win big. The right mix of performers, reliable all-rounders, and a few clever surprises can flip the match your way. So, before you lock in your team, take a look at these handy tips:
- Track recent form: Look at players scoring well across formats. Winners often stick to in-form picks.
- Pick strong all‑rounders: Players who bat and bowl well bring double value—fill two roles with one pick.
- Choose top‑order batters: They face more balls and hold more scoring chances, especially early in games.
- Match players to pitch: Spin-friendly tracks? Go for spinners. Swing conditions? Pick seamers who bowl well in those settings.
- Balance stars & surprise picks: Don’t fill your team only with famous players. Include hidden gems with form and good value.
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Team India’s fresh Test squad has sparked excitement, debate, and bold predictions. With Kohli and Rohit out, and new faces stepping in, fans are not just watching—they’re calculating, analysing, and ready to back their instincts. If you’re one of them, here’s your cue to play smart.
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