India’s Next-Gen Cricket Core Steps Up for Champions Trophy and England Tour

India's selectors have made bold decisions in naming squads for both the Champions Trophy and the England Test series, ushering in a fresh wave of talent while making a few difficult calls.

Mohammed Siraj’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad raised eyebrows, but captain Rohit Sharma offered clarity. With uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, selectors leaned towards players who could cover all phases of the innings. “If Bumrah isn’t there, we needed someone who can bowl both up front and at the death,” Rohit explained. “That’s where Arshdeep comes in, even if it means Siraj, who thrives with the new ball, misses out.”

Harshit Rana, one of the rising seamers, has been included as cover for Bumrah in the ODI series against England, signaling India’s intent to invest in adaptable bowlers.

Meanwhile, in red-ball cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to cement his place. Having emerged as India’s top scorer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he now leads the India A batting lineup in two unofficial Tests against the England Lions. Jaiswal’s growth has been rapid, and despite limited experience in England conditions, his average of over 50 and two double centuries in Tests speak volumes.

Shubman Gill, expected to lead India’s Test team in the future, will join the squad for the second game. While his record in England is modest so far, his leadership potential keeps him in the frame.

The India A squad also marks a potential comeback for Karun Nair, who famously scored an unbeaten 303 in 2016 but was later dropped after just six Tests. A strong domestic season and county stint in Northamptonshire have earned him another shot.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, quicks like Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel—all with Test experience—round out a well-balanced squad that combines youth with experience.

Also in the mix is Sarfaraz Khan, whose gritty fifties in his debut series last year have not gone unnoticed, and left-hander Sai Sudharsan, who impressed in IPL 2025 with 509 runs.

This five-Test series against England, starting June 20, is India’s first without stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their absence marks the end of an era and the beginning of another, where India’s depth will truly be tested—and potentially celebrated.

India A squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (vice-captain) (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan (both second match only)