India Test Squad vs England: Which Questions are Answered and Which Major Talking Points Still Remain for Discussion?

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As the selectors announced the India squad for the England series, a few questions remain on the asking list, while some have been answered outright.

India will be taking on England in a five-match Test series, starting from June 20. As the new World Test Championship cycle commences with a tough England series, it can't get more challenging as team India take the field with three of their biggest stalwarts - Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin.

Ashwin called it quits amid the Australia series last year, while Rohit and Virat announced their retirements earlier this month. As Ajit Agarkar came out to name the squad, the entire country and cricketing fraternity was looking forward for Rohit's successor, Virat's replacement, and many other questions.

While during the announcement, a few questions were answered, many others remain open in the wild, available for guesswork and speculation before the England series starts on June 20.

India vs England: Major Talking Points Which were Answered

Who will be the New Captain and Vice-Captain?

After Rohit's retirement, this was the biggest asking. And as expected, Shubman Gill has been named as the new captain for India in Tests. The Punjab-born batter has been prolific across all formats and now has a huge responsibility over his shoulders.

Along with him, Rishabh Pant has been named as deputy. The selectors' chief Ajit Agarkar reckons Pant as a force in Test cricket.

"He[Pant] is the Vice-Captain. He has been one of our best batters in Test cricket over the last 4-5 years. Pant has the experience and he can help Shubman out with his experience. These two are the guys we feel who can take the team forward in the next two years," Agarkar said on Rishabh-Shubman as India leaders.

How Many Matches will Jasprit Bumrah Play?

Jasprit Bumrah will not be available for all the matches, Agarkar confirmed. The India speedster has workload issues and that means he will not be featuring in all five encounters. Although a definitive number is not provided, Agarkar thinks Bumrah can play three to four matches as per the requirement.

"I don't think he will be able to play all five Tests, as per what the physios, doctors told have told us. Whether it's four or three, we will see how the series goes and how his body can keep the workload. Even if he fit for three or four Tests, he will win us a few matches. We are glad that he is fit and we've seen what he is doing in the IPL," Agarkar said.

Why was Karun Nair preferred over Sarfaraz Khan?

"Sarfaraz played three Tests in India and got a hundred as well. Sometimes those are the decisions team management takes, whether its fair or unfair on someone. Those are decisions taken for the best interest of the team. At the moment we felt, Karun has scored heaps of runs over the last couple of seasons. He has played a little bit of Test early in his career, he has played country cricket as well. Also, now, Virat not there, we are clearly lacking a bit of experience in the batting. It's basically KL and Rishabh who have played series before in England," said Agarkar.

What is the matter with Mohammed Shami?

Mohammed Shami was tipped to miss out the England series and Agarkar confirmed that the India pacer was left out because of a fresh setback with injuries. Also the selectors were told about Shami's fitness issues by the NCA doctors, which led to his omission.

India vs England: Question still to be answered?

Who will be Virat Kohli's Replacement?

It is a tricky question. With the likes of Karun Nair, KL Rahul in the squad - there can be multiple options for Gautam Gambhir and company. Agarkar also left it to Gill and Gambhir as the duo will be sorting the no. 4 situation when the series starts. The top four of Shubman Gill, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal - anyone can be slotted into the role Virat Kohli has vacated.

Why was Shreyas Iyer not Picked?

Shreyas Iyer, despite being a top performer, has missed out on the series. Although Iyer has returned to limited overs circuit, many expected he may be reinstated in the Test squad as well, which hasn't been the case.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's departure have clearly created a void in the Indian setup. Although Agarkar repeatedly stressed the fact of 'a new WTC cycle' and 'moving on', it is to be seen how the Indian team fares in challenging English conditions.