The Indian cricket team is all set to start their tour of Ireland in the T20I series. Head coach Rahul Dravid has been given a rest for the assignment. VVS Laxman will also not be touring with the boys. In the absence of them, the young Indian team will see former domestic player Sitanshu Kotak taking up the role of the head coach. Kotak is presently the head coach of the India A team at the NCA. Laxman was supposed to be the head coach of the Indian team on the tour of Ireland but his next task is to oversee a high-performance training camp near Bengaluru. The camp will last for three weeks. That's why he will be unavailable for the Ireland T20Is that begin on August 18.
"Kotak and Sairaj Bahutule (bowling coach) will travel with Jasprit Bumrah & Co for the three-match T20I series (from August 18-23). As VVS Laxman will conduct the high-performance camp from August 16 to September 5, for which youngsters like Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prabhsimran Singh, Sai Sudarshan, Akash Singh, Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Divyansh Saxena have been called up by the BCCI," A source said.
The series will only feature T20Is, but it will be important for the Indian team management. Japrit Bumrah is returning and he will lead the team. India will also feature exciting young guns like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, etc. Sitanshu has experience of coaching the India A team for two years. The Ireland opportunity will allow him to work with some of the future Indian superstars.
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.
Every IPL season delivers its share of moments, but some stay in our minds longer. Remarkable sportsmanship, brilliant athleticism, and performances under pressure is what truly defined the season.
Get ready to dive into those bittersweet moments that IPL 2025 brought to us. From KL Rahul's "This is my ground" to Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet. Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025.
1. Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet
Vaibhav Suryavanshi touching MS Dhoni's feet after their last match of IPL 2025. Image | Hindustan Times
A recent heartfelt moment occurred after the end of RR vs CSK's match that many will remember. The 14-year-old star, Vaibhav Suryavanshi approached MS Dhoni, and bent down to touch his feet during the post-match handshakes.
The clips of this heartwarming moment was widely shared across the internet, highlighting the impact and inspiration Dhoni continues to provide the next generation cricketers.
2. "This is my ground"- Kohli and Rahul's viral banter
KL Rahul and Virat Kohli laughing it out after the clash between RCB and DC. Image | Instagram
Beyond the scoreboard, IPL offers moments of pure fun. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli provided one such moment with their "This is my ground" banter.
It started with Rahul's playful Kantara-style gesture at Chinnaswamy Stadium after both the teams met in their first encounter in IPL 2025. Later, Kohli returned the favour in Delhi, mimicking Rahul's move after RCB won in their second encounter.
This lighthearted exchange showed the great bond between these rivals.
3. Riyan Parag's historic 6 consecutive sixes against KKR!
Riyan Parag during his six-hitting blitz against KKR in IPL 2025. Image | France 24
Riyan Parag unleashed an incredible display of power-hitting against KKR, by smashing 6 consecutive sixes across 2 overs. He left the crowd and the bowlers (Moeen Ali and Varun Chakravarthy) stunned with his brilliance.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi celebrating his maiden IPL century against GT in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to debut in IPL history, announced his presence by hitting his first ball in the IPL for a flat six! It intensifies in the later stage, when Rajasthan Royals faced GT, and this young boy scored 101 runs off 38 balls.
He not only became the youngest debutant, but also the youngest centurion in IPL history, and we're sure there's more to come in the future.
5. Punjab Kings defend lowest ever IPL total (vs KKR)
Punjab Kings celebrating the dismissal of Andre Russell during their match against KKR in IPL 2025. Image | ESPNcricinfo
IPL 2025 gave us a huge surprise when Punjab Kings pulled off an unexpected victory against KKR by successfully defending 111 runs.
The match initially seemed like an easy win for KKR after the first inning, but the bowlers of PBKS, especially Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen (3/17) completely turned things around!
PBKS bowled them out in 15.3 overs and sealed the victory. This became the lowest total ever defended in IPL.
6. Abhishek Sharma's papercut and record-breaking century
Abhishek Sharma during his papercut celebration after scoring a century against PBKS. Image | Instagram
Abhishek Sharma won hearts with his record-breaking knock of 141 runs off just 55 balls against PBKS in IPL 2025. He pulled a small note out of his pocket after reaching his century, with the message "This one is for Orange Army."
This gesture went viral and people talked about his dedication after knowing the fact that he was carrying the note for several games!
He also became the highest scoring Indian batsman in an innings in IPL history with this knock.
𝘼 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚-𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙏𝙊𝙉 💯
A stunning maiden #TATAIPL century from Abhishek Sharma keeps #SRH on 🔝 in this chase 💪
Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah sharing words between the match between RCB vs MI. Image | InsideSport
In a highly charged match between RCB and MI, where Jasprit Bumrah returned to action for MI, making his comeback after injury layoff, an extraordinary drama took place. Virat Kohli welcomed Bumrah with a massive six on the very first ball bowled to him.
This instantly ignited the intensity of the game where we saw two legendary players going against each other.
8. MS Dhoni's vintage run-out vs LSG
MS Dhoni in action behind the stumps during a match against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
MS Dhoni delivered a classic no-look flick run-out against Lucknow Super Giants in a match in IPL 2025. The LSG batter, Abdul Samad, was caught short by Dhoni's brilliance, where he swiftly and almost effortlessly flicked the ball to get him out.
This display of precision and speed with direct-hit was pure vintage Dhoni.
Shreyas Iyer walks down the ground with Shashank Singh after his 97* in the first innings against GT. Image | Instagram
Shreyas Iyer scored a commendable 97* off 42 balls against GT in their first match of IPL 2025. What made his knock memorable was his decision to prioritise the team over individual milestone.
Despite being just 3 runs away from a century, Iyer consciously allowed his batting partner, Shashank Singh, to continue batting and hitting boundaries.
Eventually, Iyer remained at the non-striker's end, sacrificing his hundred and being just happy for the team.
10. The Salt-David relay catch!
Phil Salt and Tim David during their magnificent relay-catch against MI in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
A spectacular moment in IPL 2025 saw Phil Salt and Tim David execute a breathtaking relay catch against MI. Salt leaped to take the catch, flicking the ball mid-air for David before crossing the boundary line.
This catch was taken during a crucial stage at the game, which left the fans stunned by their perfect sync and teamwork.
𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 💥
Phil Salt & Tim David pulled off a game-changing blinder at the ropes! ❤️
First Hat-trick of IPL 2025: Yuzvendra Chahal took 4 wickets in a single over, including a hat-trick against CSK.
Super over in IPL after 4 years: The first and only tied match of IPL 2025 till now, between RR and DC, which was an absolute roller-coaster.
Rinku Singh's match-winning fielding: Rinku Singh executed a quick pickup and one-bounce throw in the last over against RR, which bagged KKR a crucial 1-run victory.
Yash Dayal in last overs for RCB: Yash Dayal has consistently showcased his power to restrict the run flow in high pressure matches in the last overs for RCB.
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