Gambhir backs Kohli, Sharma in Tests

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed strong support for senior players, including former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating that as long as they continue to perform, their place in the Test squad should not be questioned.

Following India’s disappointing performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which they lost 3-1, questions have been raised regarding the future of the veteran duo in the longest format of the game.

With a challenging five-Test tour of England scheduled for June, speculation continues over their inclusion in the squad.

Speaking to the Indian media on Tuesday, Gambhir dismissed the notion that age should dictate the end of a player’s career. He emphasised that decisions regarding retirement should rest solely with the players and not be influenced by coaches, selectors, or the cricket board.

“As long as they are performing, they deserve to be in the team,” Gambhir said. “When a player begins or ends their career should be their own decision. No coach, selector, or even the BCCI should have the authority to decide that. If someone is performing at 40, they can play till 45. Who is stopping them?” he added.

The former Indian opener also recalled the match-winning contributions of Kohli and Sharma during previous ICC tournaments, such as the Champions Trophy, underscoring their importance in high-pressure situations.

When asked about team selection for the England series, Gambhir clarified that his responsibilities as head coach do not include picking the squad.
“A coach’s job is not to select the team. That responsibility lies with the selectors. My role begins once the squad is final — I focus on selecting the best playing XI for each match,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that the five-match Test series between England and India is set to begin at Headingley, Leeds on June 20. The remaining matches are scheduled to take place at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

Likely squad
The Indian men’s cricket team is set to tour England next month for a much-anticipated five-match Test series. The series opener will be held at Headingley, Leeds, starting June 20.

India last won a Test series in England in 2007 under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid, clinching the three-match series 1-0.

With the team having failed to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, this upcoming series marks the beginning of their campaign in the WTC 2025–27 cycle — a fresh start they hope will culminate in a rare Test series triumph on English soil.

The official squad announcement is expected soon, and Rohit Sharma is likely to continue as captain. 

The 38-year-old opener endured a dismal run in India’s last Test assignment — the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia between November 2024 and January 2025 — managing only 31 runs across five innings. His form led to speculation about his future in the format, but he is now set to lead the side in England.

Andhra’s Nitish Kumar Reddy, who featured as India’s lone fast-bowling all-rounder in the series against Australia, impressed with his performances and is likely to retain his place for the England tour.

Following Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, Ravindra Jadeja will be India’s primary spin option. Washington Sundar, who has shown consistency in his recent Test appearances, is also expected to be part of the squad.

Jasprit Bumrah, who was the standout performer against Australia with 32 wickets — the most by an Indian pacer in a Test series — is set to spearhead the pace attack. 

After recovering from a four-month injury layoff, he returned to action in IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians and is ready to lead the bowling unit in England.
The five-Test series will be played across iconic venues: Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

India likely squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, B Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna.