Explore how Team India has transformed since the 2021 England tour. Discover the five iconic players missing from the 2025 Test squad and what it means for India’s quest to conquer England once again.
IND vs ENG 2025: The New Era After 2021 — Five Legends Missing, Five Fresh Hopes
Fans will not only be watching cricket when Team India lands on English soil for the 2025 Test series starting June 22, instead, they will see substantial changes in progress. India’s Test squad has changed a lot since the last time in 2021 (now) for an international tour. The look and feel of the team, with giants like Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma saying goodbye to battling hard, cannot be compared. Enter the new heroes, and how has India’s cricket landscape changed?
The Vanishing Icons: Who Won’t Be in the 2025 England Tour?
Ajinkya Rahane Back in 2021, Ajinkya Rahane was more than just a cricketer – he was the vice-captain and Test stalwart. His cool, collected innings kept the team intact during their moments of stress. Rahane has not had the time and form time on board, however (and with the youth peaking), he is missing out on the party.
Cheteshwar Pujara too, the most unmovable pivot of India’s bowling vintage would play numerous long innings in England’s swing arenas. Cricket however has quickened the pace and by 2025 Pujara’s slower approach, along with age was quietly being phased out of the team by more attacking batters who could handle the demands of the modern game.
Farewell to Experience: The Exit of Ishant Sharma and Rohit Sharma
Ishant Sharma the spearhead of pace attack for India in 2021 gets through his wall due to fitness and age. His absence signals an era coming to an end as now it’s Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna who need to inject fresh life and energy along with pace.
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket just before the England series was a shocker. Battling in Australia, where he scored 31 runs in three matches he decided to quit the game and now the younger player can take the limelight.
The Kohli Effect Ends, The Shubman Gill Chapter Begins
I think the single biggest hit was when Virat Kohli finally went missing from Indian cricket (heart and soul). His retirement has been a void however an opportunity too. The torch of captaincy however passes to a young boy Shubman Gill who has a big responsibility to carry, as he leads the inexperienced team of England tours to several English pitches. A host of players have never played for England in this group meaning an exciting chapter alongside many hurdles and opportunities.
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A Team Reborn, A Quest Renewed
This new Indian Test squad is a manifestation of restructured metamorphosed hopes and dreams. Five of the giants in 2021 may not be here this time but there was an expectation built around them being newcomers. India continues to desire that historic Test series win in England after almost two decades. Primed battle lines, the Cricketing world waiting to confirm if this reconstruction can rise and redraft history!
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