The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shortlisted around 35 players for the India 'A' tour of England followed by Test series against Ben Stokes-led side. There were speculations around Rohit Sharma's Test future but he has made the list as India gear up to begin their World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 campaign.
As per a report by TOI, the selectors have included the likes of Rajat Patidar and Karun Nair for the India 'A' tour. Nair has been knocking on selectors' doors with consistent performances in domestic circuit. It seems that Sarfaraz Khan may face the axe after warming the benches during Australia tour. Nair who has plenty experience in County cricket will get a chance to prove himself for India 'A' tour.
Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer are yet to be named in the list. While Axar's exclusion is understandable given the presence of Ravindra Jadeja and pace-friendly English pitches, Iyer is still on sidelines despite proving himself in white-ball cricket and impact knocks in domestic red-ball cricket.
"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. 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. It is likely at least one of them will be in the India ‘A’ team. As for Iyer, he was dropped last year based on his poor returns in Test cricket. A final call is yet to be be taken,” a BCCI source said.
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In addition, an in-form Sai Sudharsan has been looked at as third option for opener role. After Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement, left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav is being looked at for overseas Test tours as well.
Concerns around pace attack
India are set to travel with back-up pacers considering the injury concerns around Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Bumrah recently returned to competitive cricket in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Mumbai Indians after getting injured in Sydney Test. Shami is yet to be tested in Tests. The selectors don't have full confidence on Mohammed Siraj who was not at his best on Australia tour.
The Test series will begin on June 20 at Leeds, Headingley. But, in order to adapt to the conditions, senior players may be asked to feature in India 'A' side for one of the three games.