India Squad for England Tests: Kohli Retires, Iyer Dropped, Sudharsan vs Nair for No.4
India Squad Announcement For England Tests: Kohli’s Test Retirement Shocks Fans, Shreyas Iyer Dropped, and a Fight Brews Between Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair
The Indian cricketing landscape is undergoing a massive transformation in 2025, following the sudden retirement of Virat Kohli from Test cricket. With the five-match Test series against England looming, the Indian selectors have revealed a squad that reflects the changing of the guard. As seasoned players step away, new talents are being tested, debated, and, in some cases, controversially omitted. The spotlight now shines on two exciting names—Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair—as they battle for a place in India’s Test XI, potentially filling the massive void left by Kohli himself.
In this blog, we analyze the full scope of the developments—Virat Kohli's shocking decision to step away, the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer, and the growing anticipation around the India vs England Test series.
Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: The End of an Era
On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket was stunned by Virat Kohli’s sudden announcement of retirement from Test cricket. The former Indian captain, one of the most iconic figures in world cricket, brought down the curtain on a glorious red-ball career spanning 14 years. Kohli retires having played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties to his name.
His career-defining moments include:
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A memorable century at Adelaide in 2014
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Leading India to its first-ever Test series win in Australia (2018–19)
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Spearheading India’s dominance at home with a formidable record
Although Kohli stepped down from Test captaincy in 2022, he remained the fulcrum of India’s batting at No. 4. His ability to stabilize innings and shift gears seamlessly made him indispensable. His retirement leaves a vacuum not only in skill but in leadership and morale.
Why Did Kohli Retire Now?
While Kohli cited a desire to spend more time with family and focus on shorter formats, reports suggest that ongoing friction with selectors, lack of long-term clarity over leadership, and mental fatigue may have played a role. Some insiders believe Kohli was disappointed by BCCI’s handling of his career post-captaincy. Ravi Shastri even hinted that internal politics may have fast-tracked his decision.
Regardless of the reason, fans and teammates alike have poured in emotional tributes. Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul shared heartfelt messages, acknowledging the hole Kohli leaves behind.
The Selection Shock: Shreyas Iyer Dropped
Another major talking point from the squad announcement is the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer. Once considered a mainstay in the Indian middle-order, Iyer's career has been riddled with injury interruptions and inconsistent form. Despite an average of 36.86 in 14 Tests, the selectors seem to have lost patience.
Iyer’s biggest challenge has been facing the short ball in red-ball cricket. Repeated failures against pace and bounce—especially in away tours—have raised questions about his technique. Additionally, his recent Ranji Trophy campaign was average at best, and his struggles were magnified during India’s series against South Africa earlier in 2025.
Is This the End for Iyer in Tests?
At 30, Iyer still has time on his side. However, with rising competition and younger players making a strong case, his road back to the Test team will be steep. His best chance lies in dominating domestic cricket and making a statement in the India A setup.
India vs England Test Series: A New Chapter Begins
The upcoming five-match Test series between India and England, scheduled from June 20 to August 4, 2025, will be part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship. Here’s the full schedule:
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1st Test: June 20 – Headingley, Leeds
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2nd Test: June 28 – Lord’s, London
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3rd Test: July 6 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
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4th Test: July 18 – Old Trafford, Manchester
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5th Test: August 4 – The Oval, London
Key Battles to Watch
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India's new No. 4 batter vs. England's pace battery
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Spin duo Ashwin and Jadeja (if selected) vs. English middle-order
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Jasprit Bumrah vs. Joe Root – a duel of giants
England, under Ben Stokes’ leadership, also comes with its set of questions. Stokes, recently returning from knee surgery, aims to reclaim his role as a dominant all-rounder. The series promises fiery encounters and could determine the trajectory of both sides for the WTC cycle.
The Battle for Kohli’s No. 4 Spot: Sai Sudharsan vs. Karun Nair
With Virat Kohli's retirement, the most prized spot in India’s Test XI—No. 4—is now open. Two players are being closely watched: Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair.
Sai Sudharsan: The Youthful Challenger
Sai Sudharsan has been nothing short of a revelation in recent years. The 23-year-old left-hander from Tamil Nadu burst into the limelight during the IPL and followed it up with consistent domestic form.
Key Stats:
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IPL 2025: 505 runs @ 50.04, 5 half-centuries
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First-class 2024–25: 872 runs in 10 matches, avg 48.44
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Notable strengths: composure, elegance, high strike rotation
He’s already being dubbed as the “next big thing” and has earned the admiration of seniors. His calm demeanor and high fitness standards also make him a long-term investment.
Karun Nair: The Redemption Story
Karun Nair’s name evokes memories of his triple-century against England in 2016. However, his fall from grace was steep, playing only 6 Tests despite the historic feat.
But Nair has clawed his way back. In the 2024–25 domestic season, he was a colossus:
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Vijay Hazare Trophy: 779 runs in 8 innings, 5 centuries
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Ranji Trophy: 863 runs in 9 matches
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Notable strengths: grit, temperament, experience in English conditions
At 33, Nair brings maturity and hunger. If the selectors want stability, Karun could edge out Sudharsan for the England Tests.
The Squad: Mix of Youth and Experience
Here’s a breakdown of the provisional Indian Test squad for the England series:
Openers:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Shubman Gill
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Abhimanyu Easwaran
Middle Order:
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Cheteshwar Pujara (recall)
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KL Rahul
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Sai Sudharsan / Karun Nair (TBD)
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Rishabh Pant / KS Bharat (wicketkeepers)
All-rounders:
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Axar Patel
Spinners:
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R Ashwin
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Kuldeep Yadav
Pacers:
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Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain)
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Mohammed Siraj
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Mukesh Kumar
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Prasidh Krishna
This squad reflects a transition—some returning veterans, new faces, and trusted match-winners. Pujara’s recall is expected to bolster experience, especially in English conditions.
❓FAQ :
❓ 1. Why did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket in 2025?
Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025, citing personal priorities and a desire to focus on limited-overs formats. While fans were shocked, reports suggest mental fatigue and internal team dynamics may have influenced his decision.
❓ 2. Why was Shreyas Iyer dropped from the India squad for the England Tests?
Shreyas Iyer was dropped due to inconsistent form and technical struggles, especially against fast bowling. His underwhelming domestic season and recent Test performances led selectors to look for fresh middle-order options.
❓ 3. Who will replace Virat Kohli at No.4 in the Test team?
Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair are the top contenders to fill Kohli’s No.4 spot in the upcoming England Test series. The selectors are expected to decide based on current form, match-ups, and team balance.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Series for India’s Future
The upcoming India vs England Test series is not just another bilateral event—it is the beginning of a new era in Indian Test cricket. With Kohli and Rohit out, India is on the hunt for new torchbearers. Youngsters like Sudharsan, Gill, and Jaiswal have a golden chance to establish themselves, while players like Karun Nair are knocking on the door with renewed purpose.
This series will test India’s bench strength, resolve, and transition strategy. Fans may miss the towering presence of Kohli, but cricket—like life—moves on. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is also filled with promise.
As we count down to the first Test at Headingley, one thing is certain: Indian cricket will never be the same again.
CTA to Readers:
👉 Who do you think should replace Virat Kohli at No. 4—Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair?
👉 Will India emerge stronger in the post-Kohli era?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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