BCCI Selector’s Message on Rohit Sharma Ahead of England Test Series: Key Player Recommendations

Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in the upcoming England Test series remains under discussion (Image: BCCI)

Introduction: BCCI’s Key Decisions for England Tour

As India prepares for their crucial five-match Test series in England beginning June 20, 2025, former chief selector MSK Prasad has shared significant insights on squad composition that indirectly addresses captain Rohit Sharma’s position. With the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle about to begin, these selection decisions carry extra weight for India’s long-term Test strategy.

The upcoming England tour presents unique challenges with pace-friendly conditions, and the Indian selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar faces critical decisions, particularly with emerging talents making strong cases for inclusion through their IPL performances and county cricket experience.

MSK Prasad’s Key Player Recommendations

According to Prasad, who served as chief selector from 2016 to 2020, three players are essential for the England Test squad: Arshdeep Singh, Sai Sudharsan, and Kuldeep Yadav. His recommendations align with former India head coach Ravi Shastri’s recent endorsement of Sudharsan, who has been impressive in the IPL and has valuable county cricket experience.

“Sai has to be a part of this England series. Because this is the ideal time as the new WTC cycle is going to begin.”

The Rohit Sharma Question: Leave it to Selectors

When asked specifically about Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in the squad, Prasad offered a diplomatic response that indicates the captain’s position might not be as secure as previously assumed. Rather than explicitly advocating for Rohit’s inclusion, Prasad deferred the decision to the current selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar.

“If Rohit is part of the squad, then he opens alongside Jaiswal and Sai can be the backup opener. I will leave to the selectors to take that call. Sai might get his opportunity as the series progresses.”

This careful wording suggests that Rohit’s automatic selection might be under review, especially with the emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan who have been making compelling cases for themselves in various formats.

Proposed Batting Lineup for England Conditions

Based on Prasad’s comments, India’s batting lineup for the England series is taking shape with some clear preferences. Shubman Gill is expected to bat at number three, followed by Virat Kohli at four. Kohli will once again face the challenge of conquering his outside off-stump vulnerability in English conditions.

Rishabh Pant is Prasad’s preferred wicketkeeper-batter, while KL Rahul has earned his place as a specialist middle-order batter. Interestingly, Prasad would not select Shreyas Iyer for the England series despite his white-ball cricket success.

Bowling Strategy: Pacers and Spinners for English Conditions

For the spin department, Prasad recommends a trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. Notably, he would exclude Axar Patel for this specific tour, preferring Washington Sundar as the spin bowling all-rounder alongside Jadeja, with Kuldeep as the specialist wicket-taker even in pace-friendly conditions.

“Jaddu, Washy and Kuldeep are three spinners for me. Jaddu is automatic pick, Washy as the all-rounder and Kuldeep is a match winner for me. I would not pick Axar Patel for this one.”

In the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are certainties. Prasad recommends Prasidh Krishna over Akash Deep as the fourth pacer, and includes Arshdeep Singh as a strategic left-arm option who can provide variety to the attack.

Prasad also mentions Nitish Reddy’s potential inclusion despite fitness concerns regarding his bowling in the IPL, noting that “Compared to Australia, Reddy the bowler will be more handy in English conditions.”

The Arshdeep Factor: Value of a Left-Arm Pacer

Perhaps the most interesting recommendation from Prasad is the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh, whom he describes as his “out of the box pick.” The former selector makes a compelling case for Arshdeep’s selection based on several factors:

“Arshdeep would be my out of the box pick. In English conditions, you need a left arm seamer. This guy is able to move the ball both sides. He’s bowling 135s. He’s very, very confident today.”

The case for Arshdeep highlights India’s growing strategic depth in pace bowling options, with specialized skillsets being considered for specific conditions rather than just selecting the fastest or most experienced bowlers.

India’s Prospects in the England Test Series

Prasad is optimistic about India’s chances in the upcoming series, suggesting they have a strong opportunity to win their first Test series in England since 2007. His confidence stems partly from England’s current transitional phase following the retirement of bowling legends Stuart Broad and James Anderson.

With the proposed balanced squad combining experience and emerging talent, specialized skills for English conditions, and strategic bowling options, Prasad believes India is well-positioned to challenge England on their home turf.

Conclusion: Building a Balanced Squad

MSK Prasad’s recommendations for the England Test series highlight a thoughtful approach to squad selection that balances experience with emerging talent. His diplomatic stance on Rohit Sharma’s inclusion suggests the captain’s position is not guaranteed, with the final decision rightly left to the current selectors.

The emphasis on players like Arshdeep Singh, Sai Sudharsan, and Kuldeep Yadav showcases a strategic approach to the specific challenges of English conditions. As India prepares for this crucial series and the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle, these selection decisions could shape their long-term Test cricket trajectory.

With the squad announcement expected in mid-May, cricket fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how many of Prasad’s recommendations are reflected in the final selection by Ajit Agarkar’s committee.