As India prepares for a grueling five-match Test series against England beginning June 20, the squad faces a significant transition.
With the recent retirement announcements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, the leadership mantle is expected to pass to Shubman Gill-who is being seen as the frontrunner to captain the side in red-ball cricket for the first time.

This transition phase brings with it both opportunity and challenge. While India is entering the series on the back of a strong World Test Championship campaign, the departure of two of its greatest batters leaves a vacuum in experience and stability. The conditions in England will demand high technical discipline, mental resilience, and fresh energy-traits that the following five players have shown signs of in recent months.
Here are five Indian cricketers who could get a national Test call-up for the England tour.
With India potentially missing the swing duo of Shami and Bhuvneshwar, Arshdeep Singh is perfectly suited to thrive in English conditions. A potent left-armer with the ability to move the ball both ways, he has also played County cricket with Kent, gaining valuable experience in these conditions.
His control and composure make him a serious option for the Test format, especially in a long series where rotation of pacers will be key. With Mohammed Shami's inclusion not ensured, Arshdeep is likely to get a call-up.
Shreyas Iyer, despite being in and out of the Test side, remains one of the most reliable middle-order batters in the domestic circuit. With over 6,000 first-class runs and a Test century on debut, Iyer has the technique to handle seaming conditions and the temperament to anchor an innings. With Kohli's slot up for grabs, Iyer's recent form and leadership experience make him a strong candidate.
The Indian batter has been in terrific form for his IPL team Punjab Kings and well. And also after the inclusion in the BCCI central contract, Iyer is likely to get a call for England series.
Best remembered for his unbeaten triple century against England in 2016, Karun Nair has been quietly consistent in domestic cricket. His recent performances in the Ranji Trophy have shown signs of revival, and with the middle order wide open, selectors could be tempted to bring back a proven name who knows how to build a long innings-especially on overseas tours.
With Rohit Sharma's departure, a new opener will be needed alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been on the fringes of national selection for a few years and has consistently delivered for India A and Bengal. With a first-class average close to 49 and experience against both pace and spin, Easwaran is a ready-made solution for a spot at the top.
A breakout IPL star and a technically sound left-hander, Sai Sudharsan's composure under pressure and adaptability across formats make him a bold yet logical inclusion. His recent County Championship stint with Surrey saw him pile up runs in English conditions-a crucial advantage heading into the Test series.
Given India's need for a stabilizer in the top order, Sudharsan could be a surprise pick with long-term potential. Along with that, Sudharsan's blistering form in IPL 2025 is also another reason why the Tamil Nadu batter may be handed an opportunity in the longer format of the game.