Sarfaraz Khan OUT, Sai Sudharsan IN, No Shreyas Iyer: Selectors Shortlist Players For IND Vs ENG Tests - Report

Sarfaraz Khan OUT, Sai Sudharsan IN, No Shreyas Iyer: Selectors Shortlist Players For IND Vs ENG Tests - Report Photo : AP/BCCI

India are all set to travel to England to take on the Three Lions in an important five-match Test series starting from June 20. This will be the first assignment for India in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, and they would be hoping to make a statement start after failing to qualify for the final this time around. According to a report by The Times of India, a total of 35 players have been narrowed down for the India and India 'A' sides for the tour of England, and it will be announced by the last week of May.

Rohit Sharma Remains Captain

The report states that Rohit Sharma has been placed in the shortlist for the India and India 'A' squads. His position in the Test team has been under scrutiny for some time now after his poor performances in the home series vs Bangladesh and New Zealand, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He is travelling despite his poor form because BCCI feels that India needs a strong captain like him.

"Rohit is most likely to travel as the board feels that one needs a strong captain through the series, which is likely to be as tough as the Australia tour," a BCCI source told the publication.

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Sarfaraz Khan OUT, Karun Nair Might Be Considered

The one issue that the selectors have pointed out is the absence of solid players in the middle order at no.5 or 6. They do not have confidence on Sarfaraz Khan's ability. The report states that the two players who are likely being considered in the role are Karun Nair and Rajat Patidar. Nair, especially, has been in tremendous form in domestic cricket for the past few years. The duo will definitely be in the India A squad.

"With regard to the middle-order, the team management has shown very little confidence in Sarfaraz Khan's ability. Nair and Patidar are seasoned red-ball players and are in fine form. It is likely at least one of them will be in the India 'A' team," the source added.

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