Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara is unlikely to be considered for India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England, according to a Cricbuzz report. While some internal chatter suggested a potential return for the 37-year-old in the wake of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, selectors are reportedly keen on moving forward with a fresh approach.
“There was some chatter that the selectors should look at Cheteshwar Pujara for a place… but the impression one gets is that the selectors and team management are in no mood to look back,” the report stated.
Gill Favoured as Next Test Captain
With the Indian Test team entering a new World Test Championship cycle, a major announcement is expected this Saturday as the BCCI will name a new Test captain and finalize the squad. Shubman Gill, 25, is currently the frontrunner to take over the leadership role.
While Jasprit Bumrah was previously vice-captain during the Australia tour, ongoing concerns about his workload and long-term fitness may go against his captaincy bid. Rishabh Pant, despite a quiet IPL 2025, is expected to return to the Test setup and may be named vice-captain.
Young Faces Over Familiar Names
Selectors are expected to favour rising stars like Sarfaraz Khan or Devdutt Padikkal over experienced names like Pujara, who last played a Test in 2023. KL Rahul remains a key senior figure and will likely anchor the middle order in England.
With Ravichandran Ashwin also retired, Ravindra Jadeja will spearhead the spin department. If selectors opt for just two spinners in English conditions, Washington Sundar could be preferred over Kuldeep Yadav, given his batting skills and seam-friendly conditions.
India’s five-match Test series in England is expected to begin in late June, marking the start of a significant transition period for the red-ball team.
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