Cricket fans, brace yourselves — Rohit Sharma might be sitting out the upcoming Test showdown against England, and the reason’s sparking heated debates. Insiders hint the Indian skipper’s recent rough patch in Test matches — think scratchy innings and uncharacteristic dismissals — has led to this bombshell call. While Rohit’s white-ball dominance remains untouchable, his red-ball struggles have reportedly pushed the BCCI to weigh a tactical timeout, potentially handing rising stars like Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal a golden ticket to cement their Test credentials. Is this a short-term reset or a seismic shift in India’s Test leadership? Either way, the squad’s bench strength is about to face its toughest audition yet.
Why is Rohit Sharma Opting Out?
As per India Today, Rohit Sharma’s decision is influenced by his poor performance in recent Test matches. During the Test series against Australia, he managed to score only 31 runs in three matches before dropping himself from the final Test in Sydney.
This decision indicates that Rohit might be looking to focus more on limited-overs cricket or take a break to work on his technique before making a strong comeback in Tests. His absence from the Test squad will be a massive change for Team India as they prepare to face England in a challenging away series.
India’s Test Tour of England 2025 – Full Schedule
The Indian team will embark on a 45-day tour of England, beginning with the first Test at Headingley on June 20, 2025. This tour is of significant importance as India has not won a Test series in England since 2007.
The five-match Test series schedule is as follows:
| Match | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Headingley, Leeds | June 20-24 |
| 2nd Test | Lord’s, London | June 28 – July 2 |
| 3rd Test | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | July 6-10 |
| 4th Test | The Oval, London | July 14-18 |
| 5th Test | Old Trafford, Manchester | July 22-26 |
With Rohit Sharma’s potential absence, the Indian selectors will need to finalize a strong opening pair. There is also speculation that Virat Kohli is likely to retain his place in the squad, which will be a significant boost for India.
India A Squad to Play England Lions Before the Test Series
To prepare for the Test series, some of India’s top domestic players are set to participate in a four-day series against the England Lions. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed two matches:
- May 30, 2025 – First four-day match at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury
- June 6, 2025 – Second four-day match at The County Ground, Northampton
These matches will give Indian players exposure to English conditions before the Test series. With senior players occupied in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the selectors will get ample time to analyze performances before announcing the final Test squad.
Who Will Replace Rohit Sharma?
If Rohit Sharma does indeed opt out of the Test series, who will open the innings for India? The selectors have a few options to consider:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – The young left-hander has been in phenomenal form in domestic cricket and could be the best bet as an opener.
- Shubman Gill – A regular member of India’s Test squad, Gill could take on the responsibility as a primary opener.
- Karun Nair – The experienced batter, who has been outstanding in the 2024-25 domestic season, could get a comeback opportunity.
Karun Nair’s Spectacular Form – A Strong Contender
Karun Nair has been one of the top performers in domestic cricket this season. His stats include:
- Highest run-getter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
- Fourth highest scorer in the Ranji Trophy with 863 runs in 9 matches at an average of 54, including 4 centuries and 2 fifties
- Helped Vidarbha clinch their third Ranji Trophy title
With his recent red-hot form, selectors might consider him as a strong replacement in the Test squad.
Impact on Indian Team Without Rohit Sharma
The absence of Rohit Sharma could bring major tactical and strategic changes:
- New Captain for Test Series? – If Rohit opts out, India will need a new Test captain. Will Virat Kohli return as captain, or will KL Rahul or Ravindra Jadeja take over?
- Opening Partnership Change – Without Rohit, India’s top order will need reshuffling.
- Young Players to Get a Chance – This could be a golden opportunity for new talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajat Patidar, and Karun Nair.
Reactions from Cricket Experts
Sunil Gavaskar (Former India Captain):
“If Rohit Sharma is stepping away from Tests, it’s important for the team to find a stable opener. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill should be the first-choice pairing.”
Sourav Ganguly (Former BCCI President):
“Rohit’s decision is personal, but it opens the door for young talents. The England tour will be challenging, and India needs a strong squad.”
When Will the Official Test Squad Be Announced?
Since all major players are currently playing in the IPL 2025, the Indian Test squad is expected to be announced after the IPL final on May 25, 2025. The selectors will closely monitor performances before finalizing the 16-member squad.