IND vs ENG: Team India squad to be announced on May 24

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to reveal India’s new Test captain and the squad for the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England. The official announcement is expected to be made on Saturday, May 24, likely around noon following the meeting of the national selection committee. A press conference is also anticipated shortly after the squad is finalized, where selectors may address questions surrounding the new leadership and team composition. The Indian Test team is undergoing a major transition following the retirement of seasoned opener and skipper Rohit Sharma, who stepped away from red-ball cricket on May 7. His departure has left a significant leadership void, prompting discussions and speculation about who will take over the reins in the traditional format. Among the frontrunners for the role are pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, top-order batter Shubman Gill, and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Each of them brings a unique skill set and leadership style to the table.

India vs England: Shubman Gill set to captain India Test squad?

While Bumrah briefly led the side during the England tour in 2022, Pant has grown into a match-winner with impressive overseas Test records. Gill, though relatively young, has been viewed as a long-term leadership prospect. However, questions about experience and consistency in the format remain. The upcoming tour of England marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it a crucial phase for Team India. The announcement on May 24 will not only unveil a new captain but could also signal the beginning of a new era in Indian Test cricket.

Reports indicate that Jasprit Bumrah, despite being one of the top contenders to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s next Test captain, is unlikely to take up the role. The right-arm pacer, who only recently returned to competitive cricket following a long injury layoff, is expected to be closely managed by the team’s medical and support staff. Given his history of back and stress-related injuries, the management is understandably cautious about overburdening him—especially with a demanding five-match Test series against England on the horizon.

Sources suggest that Bumrah may not be available to play all five Tests due to workload management protocols. As a result, he is believed to have voluntarily withdrawn from consideration for the captaincy, prioritizing his fitness and long-term availability for India across formats. The decision highlights both the importance of managing key players in a packed international calendar and Bumrah’s own awareness of his physical limits. While Bumrah has previously led India during the 2022 Test in England, the selectors are now likely to look at more consistent options for a long-term leadership role—particularly someone expected to feature in every match of the series. This development further narrows the race for India’s new Test captain.

Meanwhile, the BCCI is said to have held informal talks with both Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant regarding the Test captaincy. However, concerns were reportedly raised during internal discussions about Gill’s readiness to take on the leadership mantle. One of the selectors is believed to have questioned whether the 25-year-old has enough experience, especially since he hasn’t yet firmly established himself as a consistent performer in the Test format. While Gill is undoubtedly seen as a future leader, the general consensus is that he may benefit from a more gradual transition into the role. As a result, he is more likely to be entrusted with the vice-captaincy for now, allowing him to grow into the responsibility while continuing to solidify his place in the side. With Pant also in the mix and returning to full fitness, the BCCI is weighing its options carefully before finalizing India’s next Test leader.

The upcoming England tour will mark the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle for India. With Test veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from the format, several key positions in the playing XI are now vacant, paving the way for a fresh generation of players to step up. Alongside the senior team’s tour, the India A squad will also travel to England, where they are set to play matches against the England Lions at Canterbury and Northampton. The final game of the tour will be a crucial clash against the senior Indian Test team, offering selectors a close look at emerging talent. Players like Ishan Kishan, Sai Sudharsan, and Karun Nair are likely to feature in the India A setup, and each will be eager to make a strong impression and push for selection in the main Test squad during this transition phase.