National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman will be India's acting head coach for the upcoming tour of New Zealand as the Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff has been given a break post the team's exit from the T20 World Cup.
India is slated to play six white-ball games in New Zealand, including three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting November 18 in Wellington.
Senior players like regular skipper Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli, opener KL Rahul, and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin have been rested for the tour. Meanwhile, the entire coaching staff has also been given a break after the T20 World Cup.
'"The NCA team headed by Laxman with Hrishikesh Kanitkar (batting) and Sairaj Bahutule (bowling) will join the New Zealand-bound squad."
a BCCI source told PTI
This will not be the first time Laxman will be in charge of the Indian team. The former cricketer previously coached India during the tours of Zimbabwe and Ireland. He has also coached in the recent ODI home series against South Africa.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya will lead the side in T20I while veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan will captain the ODI side.
Rohit will be back to lead the side in Bangladesh. Kohli and Ashwin will also return to the squad for the Bangladesh tour where India will play three ODIs and two Tests. The tour begins on December 4.
India was unceremoniously knocked out of the T20 World Cup. Team England handed them a 10-wicket hammering in the semifinal in Adelaide on Thursday.
The members who are not part of the New Zealand leg have already started dispersing. While Kohli left from Adelaide, Rahul and Rohit are also expected to fly out soon.
Every Test Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian Men's Test Cricket team for the five-Test series starting in England from June 20.
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian Men's Test Cricket team for the five-Test series starting in England from June 20. Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team.
Gill will replace Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format in May due to poor form last season, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Gill's Test career
Gill has played 32 Tests for India so far. He made his Test debut in the MCG Test on India's 2020-21 Australia tour. He has so far scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. There is a big difference between his average at home (42.03) and outside (27.53). The upcoming series will be Gill's first full tour.
He has also played two WTC Finals there in 2021 and 2023, and also played the fifth Test on the 2021 tour after it was postponed due to COVID-19.
India will start WTC 2025-27 cycle with five-Test series
India will start the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a five-Test series against England. They are scheduled to play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second Test at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third Test at Lord's (from July 10), the fourth Test at Old Trafford (from July 23) and the final Test at The Oval (from July 31).
Every Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team
Since their first Test in 1932, India have witnessed 36 Test captains across 589 matches. CK Nayudu led India in their maiden Test match in 1932 against England. However, it was only 20 years later that India tasted their first Test victory under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare against England on February 10, 1952 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Only five Indian captains – Mohammed Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – have managed to notch up at least 10 Test victories. Kohli remains as India’s most successful Test captain, winning 40 of the 68 Tests he led in with a 58.82 success rate. Leading in 60 games between 2008-14, Dhoni is the second-most successful Test skipper for the country, winning 27 matches.
LIVE: Indian Test team announcement for England tour LIVE updates | Subhman Gill named captain; Nair, Sudharsan, Easwaran, Shardul in test squad
Stay updated with the real-time updates of BCCI's announcement of the Indian men's test cricket team for the upcoming England series, starting from 20th June 2025.
Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Indian men's test cricket team's announcement for the upcoming England tour. Chief of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir might attend the press conference to announce the Indian men's test cricket for the important England tour.
After qualifying for consecutive WTC finals, India failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final under Rohit Sharma. Now, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli already gone from the test format, India will have to fill many gaps to start the new WTC cycle.
Who will be the next test captain? Will Mohammed Shami be picked? There are many questions which will be answered today.
So, stay tuned as we bring you all the LIVE updates of the announcement.
LIVE Updates
May 24, 2025, 8:34 AM
Why on Iyer and on Shardul and NKR
Agarkar: "Shreyas had a good one-day series, played well in domestic as well but right now there's no room in test cricket."
"Shardul a bowling allrounder, sometimes you need a player like that depending on team balance. he's going on the A tour as well. NKR is a batting allrounder at this point, hopefully his bowling will come along as well."
May 24, 2025, 8:33 AM
Arshdeep and County experience
"He's a quality bowler and has had a taste of counTy as well. he plays domestic when he can. A tall guy, can bowl with the new ball, has body of work in red-ball cricket and in recent form in the last couple of years. Bumrah unlikely to play all five Tests, we needed a bit of variety."
May 24, 2025, 8:33 AM
On Nair's inclusion!
"Sometimes you just have to make good decisions. Sarfaraz, I know he got a 100 in the first Test and then didn't get runs. Sometimes it's decisions the team management takes."
"At the moment, Karun has scored heaps of runs in domestic, has played a bit of Test cricket, played a bit of county cricket. With Virat not there, clearly we're lacking a bit of experience. We felt his experience could help. "
May 24, 2025, 8:32 AM
Why not Bumrah as captain?
"Don't think he'll be available for all five Tests. Whether it's four or three, we'll see based on how the series goes and his workload is. Even if he's fit for 3-4 Tests, he'll be an asset for us. Just happy he's part of the squad.
"More important to us a player. Once you're managing people, there's a lot that takes out of you. We've had a chat with him, he's okay with it. He knows where his body's at. KL not really, he's captained a while back, he's a quality player and hope he has a big series. With Booms, it was more about his workload management."
May 24, 2025, 8:31 AM
Kohli, reached out in April
"When guys like that retire, always big holes to fill. Ashwin also retired. Those three have been stalwarts. Always difficult. One way of looking at it is, opportunity for someone else. Had conversations with both of them."
"Virat reached out early April, seem him give 200% every ball he plays even when he's not batting or on the field. Felt he'd given everything he had, if he can't keep up to the standards it was time for him. It's come from him. Have to respect that. They've earned that respect."
May 24, 2025, 8:31 AM
Gill, one test series captain or full time?
"We discussed every option that's there, over the last year or so, we've looked at Shubman at various times. Taken a lot of feedback from the dressing room. Very young, but there's been improvement. We're hopeful he's the guy. He's a terrific player, our best wishes to him."
"You don't pick captains for one tour or two tours. We've seen some progress over the last year or two with him. No doubt it's going to be as tough as it gets," Agarkar answered
May 24, 2025, 8:30 AM
Who should open for India?
"GG and Shubman might take a call on opener once they get there. But once they get there, they'll have a think about that."
May 24, 2025, 8:30 AM
Why no Shami?
"He's had a little bit of a setback over the past week, got some MRIs done. Wasn't going to be able to play five Tests. Don't think his workload is where he needs to be. Medical guys told he'll be ruled out. We were hoping he'll play some part, but if he's not fit, we'd rather pick guys fit and available rather than waiting," Agarkar said.
May 24, 2025, 8:28 AM
Pointers from the squad
🔹 Shubman Gill named captain 🔹 Rishabh Pant named vice-captain 🔹 Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur Sai Sudharshan and Abhimanyu Easwaran make the cut 🔹 Shreyas Iyer, Mukesh Kumar, Sarfaraz Khan, Axar Patel not included
We are just minutes away from the press conference!
Hold your breath. All of your questions will be answered very soon.
May 24, 2025, 7:29 AM
They are here!
📍 BCCI Headquarters, Mumbai
Honorary Secretary Mr Devajit Saikia and the Men's Selection Committee is here to pick the team for the upcoming India's tour to England.#TeamIndia | #ENGvINDpic.twitter.com/IzqAeqFyAA
With no Virat Kohli, who will be India's next No.4 batter?
May 24, 2025, 5:41 AM
Who can be India's next test captain?
May 24, 2025, 5:39 AM
Who are in India A squad?
India A squad for the England tour: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (VC) (WK), 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
May 24, 2025, 5:35 AM
When does the England tour start?
India's England tour will start on 20th June with the first test at Leeds. Before that India A team will also play unofficial test matches against England Lions. Moreover, India A will also play a practice game with the senior team before the first test.
May 24, 2025, 5:32 AM
When the Indian team for England series will be announced?
The Indian team will be announced at 1.30 pm IST today via a press conference.
Is Mohammad Shami ready to spearhead India's pace attack in the upcoming five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025?
With concerns over his form and fitness following a lacklustre IPL 2025 and a long injury layoff, we dive deep into whether the star pacer should be included in the squad.
From his stellar 2023 ODI World Cup performance to recent struggles with pace and rhythm, we analyse Shami’s prospects and what he brings to the table. Plus, we explore potential alternatives like Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, and others who could step up if Shami’s fitness remains a concern.
With Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being managed, who else can India rely on to challenge England’s batsmen?
Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025?
After a disastrous IPL campaign with 13.73 average, the entire nation has this one question to ask: Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025? Read to know more.
The 2025 IPL season has delivered a brutal reality check for Rishabh Pant. After being picked up by LSG for 27 crore, he turned out to be the most expensive flop of this season.
Can a player sustain an international career after such disappointing performance? Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025?
Let's dive into the cold facts.
The disappointing IPL 2025 numbers
Rishabh Pant slipping down the pitch during a match in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Rishabh Pant was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants as the most expensive player in IPL history for ₹27 crore, which proved to be totally not worth it. He only managed to score 151 runs in 13 matches with an average of 13.73 and a strike rate barely crossing 107.
He is the lowest scorer among all the LSG batters in IPL 2025. Apart from batting performance, he also failed as a captain. The team only won 6 matches out of 13 and lost their playoffs berth under Pant's captaincy.
Pant's questionable descision-making, poor shot selections, and a complete lack of form did not justify the big price tag ahead in the auction.
The T20I context: India's current pool and future outlook
Rishabh Pant's position is now critically questionable as India's T20 squad selection prioritizes consistency in batting, high strike rates, and adaptable wicket-keeping.
The current pool of contenders are highly competitive and has the potential to outperform Pant.
KL Rahul: His current form in IPL 2025 is magnificent and he has consistently performed well for the team. Rahul's ability to anchor and accelerate has again brought him into T20I contention.
Sanju Samson: Yet another prime contender with high experience and quality performance. He also holds the ability to blend well into the format.
Dhruv Jurel: A promising young talent who also has the ability to make impactful finish for the team.
Ishan Kishan: The pocket dynamo who started his IPL 2025 season with a phenomenal century, and gained his spot in BCCI's central contract (2025), is another strong contender.
Where Rishabh Pant fits (or doesn't fit):
Rishabh Pant playing for team India in T20Is. Image | TOI
Following the poor performance of Rishabh Pant, several known names have speculated about his mental state and his inability to deal pressure. The former Indian cricketer, Kris Srikkanth, also suggested that Pant should consider taking a break from his format.
The modern T20 format demands a lot of things that Pant is completely missing:
Insufficient strike rate
Lack of clarity in shot-making
Inability to convert build innings
Diminished reliability as wicketkeeper-batter
No longer an unique left-handed power option
Difficulty handling run-rate pressure
Pant is missing the "X-factor" that he once possessed. Therefore, unless his form significantly improves soon and makes a comeback, his T20 career is effectively over.
16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium
Discover 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium, including legends like Tendulkar, Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and the iconic Jhulan Goswami.
Some legendary Indian cricketers left their impact beyond the scorecards and records, which earned them an everlasting tribute. Their legacies live on the stadiums where they created their cricketing magic.
Curious to know the ones who had their contributions honored with their names on a stadium stand or pavilion? Scroll down to discover the 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar Stand at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE. Image | NDTV
The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, has 2 stands named after him. He was also honoured with a gate named after him at the Sydney Cricket Ground, unveiled on his 50th birthday.
MS Dhoni Pavilion at the JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi. Image | Instagram
Honoring the hometown hero, MS Dhoni Pavilion was named as a tribute to his legendary captaincy and achievements.
MS Dhoni Pavilion: JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi
4. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma stand at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Image | Instagram
Acknowledging Rohit Sharma's elegant batting and leadership for India, the stand named after him at the Wankhede is a recent addition, inaugurated in 2025.
Rohit Sharma Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
5. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly stand at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Image | Instagram
Sourav Ganguly stand, unveiled in 2017, is a tribute to dada, not only for his influential captaincy, but also for his contributions as the former president of CAB and BCCI.
Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Image | Alamy
The pavilion named after Sunil Gavaskar stands as a lasting tribute for the cricketing legend.
Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
7. Yuvraj Singh
The inaugural of stands named after Yuvraj Singh, along with teammate Harbhajan Singh at the PCA Stadium, Punjab. Image | Instagram
The world cup hero and local boy of Punjab, Yuvraj Singh, was honored with a joint ceremony where two stands were named after him and his teammate, Harbhajan Singh.
VVS Laxman Pavilion at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Image | Facebook
Known for his elegant batting style, VVS Laxman was given the tribute with a pavilion named after him at his hometown (Hyderabad).
VVS Laxman Pavilion: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
10. Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin posing in front of his stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Image | Crossbill
The former captain of Indian team, Mohammad Azharuddin, was honored with a stand at his beloved ground in his homecity, Hyderabad.
Mohammad Azharuddin Stand: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
11. Jhulan Goswami
Jhulan Goswami posing in front of the stand named after her at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Image | Twitter
In 2023, Eden Gardens celebrated and honored the legendary pride of Bengal, Jhulan Goswami. Her name stands as the only woman on this list to achieve this milestone.
Gautam Gambhir Stand at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Image | TOI
From crucial role in World Cup victories for India, to his role as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir truly deserves the stand named after him in his home ground.
Gautam Gambhir Stand: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
13. Dilip Vengsarkar
Dilip Vengsarkar Stand at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Wankhede holds the name of many spectacular players and Dilip Vengsarkar is one of them. It celebrates he golden moments in cricket.
Dilip Vengsarkar Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
14. Vijay Merchant
Vijay Merchant Stand at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Image | Instagram
Yet another elegant player to have a stand named after them at the Wankhede. Vijay Merchant's quality contributions are highly appreciated.
Vijay Merchant Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
15. Ajit Wadekar
Ajit Wadekar Stand alongside Sharad Pawar Stand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
The former Indian captain and influential figure, Ajit Wadekar, holds a prestigious stand named after him, alongside Sharad Pawar.
Ajit Wadekar Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
16. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag Gate at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
While we discuss stands or pavilions, it is worth noting that the gate no. 2 at Arun Jaitley Stadium was named after the legendary cricketer, Virender Sehwag, as a tribute.
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