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Star India cricketer and former captain Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision to step away from Test cricket. As per the media reports, the BCCI is expected to hold talks with Kohli and potentially try to convince him to change his mind. However, if Kohli decides to draw curtains on his Test career, he is unlikely to be available for Team India’s upcoming five-match Test series in England, starting June 20.

This development follows closely on the heels of India captain Rohit Sharma’s sudden retirement from Test cricket. Notably, both Kohli and Rohit had already stepped away from T20Is after India’s World Cup victory in Barbados in 2024.

With Rohit Sharma already retired from Tests and Virat Kohli likely to follow, Team India is on the brink of a significant transition. With that in mind, here’s a look at a potential Indian squad for the five-match Test series in England without the veteran duo.

Team India Possible Squad For India vs England Tests (No Rohit, Kohli)

With Rohit and Kohli absent, India’s top order faces a major reshuffle — and Sai Sudharsan looks primed to step in. Long viewed as a backup opener, Sudharsan may now finally get an extended run. He impressed in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, scoring 304 runs at an average of 76.

More recently, Sudharsan has been on fire in IPL 2025, amassing 509 runs in 11 games for Gujarat Titans. With KL Rahul likely to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sudharsan could slot in at No. 3 — a role he’s already familiar with from India A outings.

Shubman Gill, who has maintained an average of over 37 at No. 3 in Tests since 2023, could be pushed down to No. 4 to take over the spot vacated by Kohli. This potential move opens up the No. 5 slot, with Shreyas Iyer as a strong contender.

India’s pace unit is expected to revolve around Jasprit Bumrah and likely Mohammed Shami, though managing their workloads will be crucial. Bumrah claimed 32 wickets in five Tests during the 2023/24 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Shami is making his return after a lengthy injury break. To ensure depth in their absence, India can rely on Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

Shardul Thakur has also made a compelling case for inclusion. In the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy, he delivered an outstanding all-round performance—scoring 505 runs and taking 35 wickets.In IPL 2025, he took 12 wickets in 9 matches. Notably, Thakur has taken 30 wickets and scored three fifties in Tests played in England, showcasing both his bowling and lower-order batting prowess. His experience in English conditions makes him a strong candidate for the Test squad.

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana.