As Team India gear up for their crucial five-match Test series in Englandthe BCCI has finalised a provisional pool of around 35 players. This group will be split between the main Test squad and the India A side, which will tour England shortly after the conclusion of IPL 2025. The India A tour, featuring three first-class matches, will serve as a key platform to assess fringe players and prepare red-ball specialists for English conditions.

Rohit Sharma to remain captain amid speculation over leadership change

Amid ongoing discussions about leadership transition in the Test setup, Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in the core group suggests the board’s continued trust in his ability to lead the side.

“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,” a BCCI source revealed as quoted by Times of India.

India A series to test middle-order contenders

One of the key objectives of the India A tour is to resolve the middle-order conundrum. The selectors are yet to find a settled No. 5 or 6 in the red-ball format. Rajat patidar and Karun nairboth of whom have shown consistency in domestic cricket, are being considered for these slots. They are expected to be given opportunities in the India A games to stake a claim for the main squad.

Meanwhile, players like Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have not been included in the current shortlist. Iyer, in particular, has struggled with form in recent Test outings, leading to his exclusion. Sarfaraz khandespite his prolific domestic numbers, has not gained the team management’s full confidence either.

“With regard to 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.

Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan among notable names

With Ravichandran Ashwin having retired from Test cricket during the Australia tour, Kuldeep Yadav is back in contention. Though he has been overlooked for overseas Tests in the past, the left-arm wrist-spinner could be picked as a more aggressive spin option for the English conditions.

Additionally, Sai Sudharsan is being considered as the third opener in the squad. The young left-hander’s temperament and technique have earned praise, and the selectors are keen to groom him as a top-order backup.

Further, the selectors are expected to include several reserve seamers in the touring party due to doubts over Mohammed Siraj’s performance when leading the attack in the absence of Jasprit bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Backup options will be essential, especially if the series sees rotation due to workload management or injuries.

The final selection for both the India A tour and the senior Test squad is likely to be made public in the second week of May.