The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided that Rohit Sharma will continue as the captain of the Indian Test team for their upcoming tour of England in June. India will face England in a five-match Test series starting on June 20 at Headingley, aiming to secure their first Test series victory in England since 2007.
Despite some recent struggles with form and leadership, the 37-year-old Sharma is expected to lead the team. This comes after disappointing performances in the previous Test series, including losses to Australia and New Zealand. Between September 2024 and January 2025, Sharma participated in 10 Test matches, scoring just 164 runs, which raised questions about his future in the longer format of the game. His struggles were further highlighted during his tour of Australia, where he recorded the lowest-ever average for a touring captain in Australia, with just 31 runs at an average of 6.2. To add to his troubles, Sharma also experienced a poor return to the Ranji Trophy in January, further fueling doubts about his Test career.
Even with these setbacks, Sharma is set to captain the team in the upcoming England series, according to a PTI report. However, the BCCI has also expressed concerns over the fitness of India’s premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from a back injury sustained during the tour to Australia. Bumrah will miss the opening games of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 as he continues his rehabilitation.
As part of their preparations for the tour of England, the BCCI has planned two four-day tour matches against the Lions for the India A team, which will take place before the senior team’s series. The India A squad is expected to feature some of India’s top players, serving as a crucial build-up for the main series.
A source close to the development told PTI, “There is enough time to announce the squad, mostly ahead of the knockouts or just after those matches. You will then get a clear picture as to which players are available by then.”
The IPL 2025 playoffs are scheduled for May 20, 21, and 23, with the final set for May 25. During this time, the BCCI selection committee will provide more clarity on the Indian team lineup for the England tour, as the final squad is likely to be decided shortly after the IPL knockout stages.
