England vs India: Yudhvir Singh named as Team India manager

Yudhvir Singh, a seasoned cricket administrator and former secretary and director of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), has been appointed as the team manager for the Indian men’s cricket team ahead of their upcoming tour of England. This prestigious assignment will see him accompanying the squad for a five-match Test series, which is set to begin in mid-June and will serve as the opening chapter of India’s World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 cycle.

Currently serving as one of the directors on the UPCA board, Yudhvir brings extensive administrative experience and a deep understanding of the game to his new role. His appointment is viewed as a strategic move to ensure smooth coordination and logistical support during what promises to be a demanding and high-stakes series in English conditions. The tour kicks off with the first Test at Headingley in Leeds on June 20, a venue known for its rich cricketing history and challenging conditions for visiting teams. This series holds significant importance for India, as they aim to start the new WTC cycle on a strong note against a formidable England side.

Amid reports suggesting that newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill may miss the second warm-up match against England Lions in Northampton, there has been growing speculation that KL Rahul could step in to lead the side in his absence. However, team manager Yudhvir Singh has downplayed the rumors, stating that he has not received any official communication regarding Gill’s unavailability for the game. Gill, who is set to lead India in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, was expected to feature in both warm-up matches as part of the team's preparations. His potential absence has sparked discussions about alternate leadership options, with Rahul emerging as a likely candidate due to his experience and seniority.

“I have not received any information yet. Once the Indian Premier League (IPL) is done, we will figure out if there are any changes to the squad,” stated Yudhvir Singh. 

Shubman Gill officially succeeded Rohit Sharma as India’s red-ball captain after Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025. With this appointment, the 25-year-old Punjab batter became the 37th player to lead India in Test matches, marking a new era in Indian cricket. Gill now faces the significant challenge of guiding a young and relatively inexperienced squad on the upcoming tour of England, which also marks the start of India’s World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign.

The team will travel to the United Kingdom without several stalwarts of the previous generation. Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, batting legend Virat Kohli, and former captain Rohit Sharma have all bid farewell to the longest format, leaving behind massive shoes to fill. Additionally, senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami has not been included in the squad due to ongoing fitness concerns, further reducing the side's experience in overseas conditions. In this transitional phase, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain and is expected to play a crucial leadership role alongside Gill. With several emerging talents in the squad, the tour presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Gill to make his mark as captain and shape the future of Indian Test cricket.