IND vs ENG: The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a pivotal five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds. This series marks the beginning of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle and a new era for Indian cricket following the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With Shubman Gill as the new Test captain and a relatively young squad, the pressure is on for players to prove their worth in challenging English conditions, known for swing and seam movement. Among the 18-man squad, three players—Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, and Sai Sudharsan—are under particular scrutiny. Their performances in this series could determine whether they cement their places in the Test side or face the risk of being dropped. This 1,500-word article explores their current standing, challenges, and what’s at stake, tailored for an Indian audience passionate about cricket.
The Context: A New-Look Indian Test Team
India’s Test squad for the England tour, led by Shubman Gill with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, includes a mix of experienced players like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah alongside emerging talents. The retirements of Kohli, Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, coupled with Mohammed Shami’s absence due to recovery from ankle surgery, have opened spots in the batting lineup. The series, named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, is a chance for younger players to step up, but it’s also a high-stakes audition. Poor performances could see players sidelined, especially with India’s bench strength and the selectors’ willingness to experiment, as seen in recent tours like Australia, where players like Sarfaraz Khan were dropped after limited opportunities.
The three players in focus—Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, and Sai Sudharsan—have unique backgrounds and challenges. Easwaran is a domestic stalwart yet to debut, Nair is a returning veteran with a point to prove, and Sudharsan is a young talent with a recent Test cap. Their performances in the India A matches against England Lions and the first Test have raised questions about their readiness for Test cricket in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) conditions.
Table: Player Profiles and Recent Performances
Player | Role | Test Matches | Recent Form | Key Strength | Challenge in England |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abhimanyu Easwaran | Opener/Batter | 0 (Yet to debut) | 68 and 80 in India A matches; 8 runs in 1st unofficial Test vs England Lions | Solid technique, domestic consistency | Adapting to swing, securing debut opportunity |
Karun Nair | Middle-order Batter | 6 (Last in 2017) | Century (102*) in 1st unofficial Test; 4-ball duck in 1st Test vs England | Experience, compact technique | Consistency after long Test absence |
Sai Sudharsan | Top-order Batter | 1 (Debut 2025) | 0 & 30 in 1st Test; Orange Cap in IPL 2025; 281 runs in Surrey county stint | Fearless batting, temperament | Handling moving ball, proving Test mettle |
Source: ESPNcricinfo, Indian Express, DNA India
Abhimanyu Easwaran: The Perpetual Reserve
Abhimanyu Easwaran, the 29-year-old Bengal opener, has been a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket, amassing 7,841 runs in 103 first-class matches at an average of 48.70, with 27 centuries. Despite his consistency, including scores of 68 and 80 in India A matches against England Lions, Easwaran has been overlooked for a Test debut, even during the 2024–25 Australia tour. Fans and former players like WV Raman and Mohammad Kaif have voiced frustration, arguing that Easwaran’s temperament and technique make him ideal for England’s conditions.
In the first unofficial Test against England Lions, Easwaran scored just 8 runs, a disappointing outing that contrasted with his earlier India A performances. His selection in the Test squad was a nod to his domestic record, but his omission from the first Test playing XI in favor of Sai Sudharsan sparked outrage among fans, with social media posts questioning the BCCI’s “favoritism.” One user tweeted, “Sai Sudharsan is a good player, but Easwaran should have been given a chance before him. #ENGvIND.”
Why He’s at Risk
Easwaran’s challenge is twofold: proving he can handle England’s swinging conditions and breaking into a competitive top order featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. With Shubman Gill and Sudharsan also vying for top-order spots, Easwaran’s lack of Test experience puts him under pressure. Former coach Sanjay Bangar included him at No. 3 in his predicted XI, but the team management opted for Sudharsan, suggesting a preference for youth. If Easwaran fails to capitalize on any opportunities in the remaining Tests—either through poor scores or continued benching—selectors may prioritize players with international exposure, potentially relegating him to a permanent reserve role.
What He Needs to Do
To secure his spot, Easwaran must leverage any chance to bat, particularly in the second or third Test. His ability to leave balls outside off-stump and build innings patiently, as demonstrated in domestic cricket, will be crucial in England. A score of 50+ in a Test match could silence critics and justify his inclusion over younger prospects like Sudharsan.
Karun Nair: The Comeback Kid Under Pressure
Karun Nair, now 33, is a familiar name to Indian cricket fans, thanks to his unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai in 2016. However, his Test career stalled after six matches, with his last appearance in 2017. Nair’s return to the Test squad for the 2025 England series follows a stellar domestic season, where he scored 863 runs at an average of 53.93 in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy for Vidarbha, and 736 runs at 56.61 in the County Championship for Northamptonshire. His century (102* off 155 balls) in the first unofficial Test against England Lions further bolstered his case.
However, Nair’s performance in the first Test at Leeds was a setback. Batting at No. 6, he was dismissed for a four-ball duck by Ben Stokes, caught spectacularly by Ollie Pope. This failure, coupled with India’s loss in the match, has put Nair’s comeback under scrutiny. The Indian Express noted that Nair’s compact technique suits English conditions, but his long absence from Test cricket raises questions about his ability to adapt quickly.
Why He’s at Risk
Nair’s experience is an asset, but his eight-year gap from Test cricket makes consistency critical. With Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Nitish Kumar Reddy occupying middle-order spots, Nair competes with Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar for a place. His duck in the first Test, combined with India’s fielding lapses (e.g., dropped catches costing runs), has drawn criticism. If Nair fails to deliver substantial scores in the next Tests, selectors may favor Jurel, who scored 94 and 53 in India A matches, or other domestic performers like Sarfaraz Khan.
What He Needs to Do
Nair must replicate his domestic form, aiming for at least one significant score (80+ runs) in the series. His experience in county cricket gives him an edge in handling swing, but he needs to avoid rash shots, as seen in his dismissal. A composed innings at Lord’s or Edgbaston could solidify his middle-order role.
Sai Sudharsan: The Young Gun on Trial
At 23, Sai Sudharsan is the youngest of the trio and a rising star. His Test debut in the first Test at Leeds came on the back of an Orange Cap-winning IPL 2025 season and a solid county stint with Surrey (281 runs at 35.13). However, his debut was underwhelming, scoring 0 and 30, with a four-ball duck in the first innings against Stokes. Critics noted his discomfort against the incoming delivery, a concern in England’s conditions.
Sudharsan’s inclusion over Easwaran was controversial, with fans and experts like WV Raman arguing that Easwaran’s domestic record warranted precedence. Sudharsan’s selection reflects the selectors’ faith in his temperament and versatility, having batted in the top and middle order for Tamil Nadu and Surrey.
Why He’s at Risk
Sudharsan’s youth and potential make him a long-term prospect, but his lack of Test experience and struggles in the first Test put him under pressure. With KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill anchoring the top order, Sudharsan’s No. 3 spot is not guaranteed. A string of low scores could see him replaced by Easwaran or even Jurel, who has shown promise in India A matches. The selectors’ tendency to drop players after one poor game, as seen with Sarfaraz Khan, adds to the stakes.
What He Needs to Do
Sudharsan needs to adapt to the moving ball, focusing on playing late and using his domestic experience to build innings. A half-century or better in the second Test could secure his spot, especially if he outscores Nair or Easwaran in similar opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: Selection Dynamics and Team Strategy
India’s Test team is in a transitional phase, and the England series is a proving ground. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have shown a willingness to blood new talent, but their quick turnover of players—like Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar—suggests a low tolerance for failure. The team’s fielding woes, with dropped catches by Jaiswal and Jadeja in the first Test, add pressure on the batting unit to compensate.
Easwaran, Nair, and Sudharsan are competing not just against England’s bowlers but also against each other and the likes of Jurel, Gaikwad, and Sundar. The table above highlights their strengths and challenges, but their fates hinge on performance under pressure. Easwaran’s technical prowess, Nair’s experience, and Sudharsan’s flair offer different strengths, but consistency is key.
A Make-or-Break Series
The 2025 England Test series is a defining moment for Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, and Sai Sudharsan. Easwaran needs a debut opportunity and a solid score to break his reserve status. Nair must overcome his first Test failure to prove his comeback is no fluke. Sudharsan, the youngest, faces the challenge of proving his Test credentials in alien conditions. With India aiming to win their first Test series in England since 2007, the selectors will be ruthless. Failure to perform could see these players dropped, paving the way for others like Dhruv Jurel or Ruturaj Gaikwad. As fans await the action at Lord’s and beyond, these three players carry the weight of expectation and the chance to shape India’s Test future.
