Karun Nair Returns to Team India After 8 Years; BCCI Announces Squad for England Series Post Rohit-Kohli Era

Sports News: Indian cricket has ushered in a fresh chapter with the appointment of Shubman Gill as the new Test captain. Following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the onus has shifted to young talent in the squad. After an eight-year gap, Karun Nair makes his way back into the Test squad, as Rishabh Pant takes charge as the vice-captain. The five-match Test series in England, scheduled between June and August 2025, signals both a tough challenge and fresh hope for India’s red-ball journey.

A Generational Shift in Indian Cricket

Saturday marked the beginning of a new era as BCCI unveiled the Indian squad for the five-match Test series in England. Shubman Gill’s rise to captaincy signals the beginning of a fresh era in India’s red-ball cricket leadership. For the first time in over a decade, the team will compete without legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, all of whom retired recently, signaling the end of an era.

Shubman Gill’s Leadership Role

At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill steps into the captaincy role previously held by Rohit Sharma. Rohit’s 11-year Test career included 67 matches and more than 4,300 runs before his retirement earlier this month. Soon after, Virat Kohli also bid farewell to Test cricket after playing 123 matches, leaving behind a legacy as one of India’s finest batsmen. Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement in December last year signaled the departure of yet another experienced stalwart. This leadership change places significant responsibility on the young players to uphold India’s Test cricket standards.

Karun Nair’s Comeback

Karun Nair's selection signals a long-awaited comeback to the Test squad after eight years. He last represented India in a Test match against Australia in March 2017. Nair earned his recall due to consistent performances in domestic cricket, notably scoring 863 runs for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy with an impressive average above 53, helping his team clinch the title. His experience is expected to add valuable depth and stability to the team’s batting lineup.

Rishabh Pant Appointed Vice-Captain

Pant has demonstrated his capabilities in Test cricket over recent years, highlighted by match-winning performances during Australia tours in 2018-19 and 2020-21. Despite a comparatively subdued showing in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI’s decision to elevate Pant to a leadership role reflects their confidence in his talent and potential to inspire the team. Scheduled between June and August 2025, the five-Test series will be played at iconic venues including Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. The upcoming series offers a critical opportunity for the new leadership to prove themselves and regain dominance in challenging English conditions.

New Leadership, Renewed Aspirations

With the retirement of key players like Ashwin, Kohli, and Sharma, the emerging generation faces increased expectations. Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, the team must blend youthful vigor with experience to deliver strong performances.The return of seasoned campaigners like Karun Nair provides the team with valuable support in batting and strategy. Touring England has always been a formidable test for Indian cricket. Now, with a young captain at the helm and a mix of fresh talent and experience, India looks to reclaim its position as a powerhouse in Test cricket.