There's a lot for the BCCI to think, especially with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not available for the upcoming Test series against England. The two questions are: Who will captain India, and who will bat at No. 4?
The BCCI selectors have already announced the India A squad for the upcoming tour of England later this month. Now, the focus has shifted to the senior team. The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, will soon meet to finalize the squad for the five-match Test series against England. The Indian team is scheduled to begin its England tour on June 20.
As mentioned earlier, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having announced their retirement from Test cricket, the selectors now face the crucial task of appointing a new captain for the challenging overseas series.
Current Test vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is one of the leading contenders. Other names in consideration include Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Some former Indian cricketers believe the selectors should think beyond the obvious choices. Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested Ravindra Jadeja, while Sanjay Bangar has argued in favor of KL Rahul.
India’s new Test captain and squad for the upcoming five-match series against England are set to be announced on May 24 by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, along with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The announcement is expected around 12 PM during a press conference.
The series, which kicks off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, will mark the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for India, following the recent retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.