Rohit Sharma to continue as captain in England Tests, BCCI shortlists 35 players

As Indian players are busy plying their trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the BCCI has been making sure that they work on the backend to prepare for the England series. As per the reports in the Times of India, it is learned that a total of 35 players have been shortlisted for India and India A teams.

The reports claimed that Rohit Sharma is all set to captain India in the Test series. The questions about his place in the team were raised after he had a horrible campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he scored just 32 runs and also India went on to lose the series by 3-1.

But the thinking within BCCI is that they want a strong captain throughout the series, and there is no one better than him in the team currently. Speaking to the Times of India, a source close to the developments said:

"Rohit is most likely to travel as the Board feels that one needs a strong captain through the series, which is likely to be as tough as the Australia tour".

Indian squad for the Test series against England is all set to be picked by the 2nd week of May

It is also learned that the Indian squad for the Test series against England is all set to be picked by the 2nd week of May. Sai Sudharsan is likely to be the Backup opener for the team. He has been in the red hot form of late and will be rewarded for his performances.

Also, Rajat Patidar and Karun Nair are seen as middle-order options by BCCI for the series against England. The two were exceptional in the domestic circuit this year and also have been performing well in the IPL, showing glimpses of their form.

Not only this, the reports added that Kuldeep Yadav is also all set to make a return to the team after a while. The BCCI is seeing him as an attacking option. The Test series between England and India will get underway from 20th June.

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