Mohammed Shami Dropped, Arshdeep Singh Earns Maiden Test Call-Up as India Gears Up for England Tour
As India prepares to take on England in a challenging five-match Test series starting June 20, the squad announcement brought some surprises and fresh hopes. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named an 18-man squad on May 24, with senior pacer Mohammed Shami missing out due to fitness concerns, while the young left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh got his first-ever Test call-up.
A Tough Break for Shami
Mohammed Shami has been a backbone of India’s pace attack for years, but the last couple of seasons have been tough on him. After a long injury break, Shami made a comeback earlier this year but struggled to regain his rhythm, especially in the IPL 2025 where he took only six wickets in nine matches. The selectors’ decision to leave him out wasn’t easy, but fitness is paramount, especially with a demanding five-Test series ahead.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the situation clearly: “We hoped he would get fit in time, but at the moment, he isn’t ready to handle the rigors of five Tests. We had to make a tough call and plan with players who are match-fit.”
Arshdeep Singh: The Rising Star
Stepping into Shami’s shoes is Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer known for his swing and ability to trouble batsmen with the new ball. His consistent performances in the IPL and experience playing county cricket in England make him a strong candidate for the English conditions that favor swing bowling.
Arshdeep has played 21 first-class matches and picked up 66 wickets, and his recent form in the IPL — 16 wickets in 11 games — has certainly caught the selectors’ eyes. His calm, disciplined approach and knack for moving the ball could make him a key player in the upcoming series.
Karun Nair Returns, Adding Depth
Another highlight of the squad is the return of Karun Nair, who hasn’t featured in Tests since 2018. The middle-order batsman has been in sensational form domestically, scoring heavily for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy, including four centuries last season. His experience and steady technique could add valuable stability to the Indian batting lineup.
Leadership in Focus
The series will see a new leadership duo, with Shubman Gill stepping in as India’s 37th Test captain after Rohit Sharma retired from the format. At just 25, Gill carries the hopes of a new generation eager to make its mark on the international stage. Rishabh Pant will serve as vice-captain, bringing aggressive energy and experience as a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman.
The Squad at a Glance
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Karun Nair
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Washington Sundar
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kuldeep Yadav
Looking Ahead
This England tour is more than just a cricket series — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Indian Test cricket. With a mix of youth and experience, and fresh leadership, the team is ready to build a legacy in some of the most challenging conditions in world cricket. Fans will be watching closely as this squad looks to blend talent, resilience, and strategy to come out on top.
As India prepares to walk onto the historic grounds of Headingley, Lord’s, and Old Trafford, the excitement is palpable. New faces, fresh hopes, and a spirit to conquer — this series promises to be a defining moment for Indian cricket’s future.