In a major development in Indian cricket, Karun Nair has been recalled to the national Test squad after an eight-year hiatus. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday revealed the team for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, marking a new era post the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Karun Nair Makes a Stunning Comeback
Karun Nair, who last played for India in March 2017 against Australia, has earned a well-deserved recall following an outstanding domestic season. The Karnataka batsman amassed 863 runs at an impressive average of over 53 in the recent Ranji Trophy, forcing the selectors to take notice.
The 33-year-old middle-order batter is best remembered for his historic triple century against England in Chennai in December 2016. He scored an unbeaten 303*, becoming only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to score a triple hundred in Test cricket.
Karun Nair Test Career Stats (as of May 2025):
- Matches: 6
- Innings: 11
- Runs: 374
- Highest Score: 303*
- Average: 62.33
- 100s/50s: 1/0
Despite a phenomenal start to his Test career, Nair was dropped after a string of low scores and was never able to cement his spot. His return marks a rare and inspiring comeback story in international cricket.
Shubman Gill Takes Over as Test Captain
In a significant leadership transition, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new captain of the Indian Test team. The 25-year-old opener will lead the side in the England series, beginning June 2025. Rishabh Pant, who has made a strong comeback post-injury, has been named vice-captain.
Gill’s elevation marks a generational shift in Indian cricket, as the team looks to rebuild under new leadership in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.
Fresh Faces Join the Squad
The squad also features several exciting new faces. Sai Sudharsan, who impressed in the IPL and domestic cricket, and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, have both received their maiden Test call-ups. Their inclusion reflects the selectors’ emphasis on grooming young talent for the future.
India vs England Test Series 2025 Schedule
The five-Test series between India and England is set to be played at some of England’s most iconic venues:
- 1st Test: Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd Test: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3rd Test: Lord’s, London
- 4th Test: Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th Test: The Oval, London
The series will span from June to August 2025 and is a crucial component of the new World Test Championship cycle.
Full India Test Squad for England Tour 2025
Full team India Test Squad for England Tour 2025 has been announced.
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice-Captain: Rishabh Pant
- Karun Nair
- Sai Sudharsan
- Arshdeep Singh
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Kuldeep Yadav
Conclusion
Karun Nair’s emotional return and Shubman Gill’s elevation to Test captain signal a bold new chapter for Indian cricket. With a mix of seasoned performers and fresh talent, the upcoming England tour promises to be a defining moment in shaping the future of the Indian Test team.
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