The India-England Test series of 2025 has already delivered high-octane cricket, with the second Test at Edgbaston culminating in a resounding 336-run victory for India, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. As the action shifts to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground for the third Test, starting July 10, 2025, anticipation is sky-high. India, under the dynamic leadership of Shubman Gill, are riding a wave of confidence, while England, led by Ben Stokes, are eager to reclaim momentum. This article delves into India’s probable squad for the Lord’s Test, analyzing key players, strategic considerations, and the challenges posed by England’s “Bazball” approach.
Context of the Series
India’s tour of England in 2025 is a critical part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. After a disappointing loss in the first Test at Headingley, where India squandered a strong position, the team bounced back spectacularly at Edgbaston. Shubman Gill’s 430 runs across two innings, coupled with Akash Deep’s ten-wicket haul, underscored India’s resilience. The Lord’s Test offers India a chance to take the lead in the series, but the venue’s historical significance and England’s aggressive batting approach make it a formidable challenge.
Lord’s, often called the “Home of Cricket,” has a storied history for India-England encounters. India’s first Test match was played here in 1932, and while India have had memorable moments, such as their 2021 victory, Lord’s has largely been a tough venue for them. The pitch at Lord’s typically offers swing and seam movement early on, favoring pace bowlers, but can flatten out, making it a balanced surface for both bat and ball.
India’s Probable Squad for the Lord’s Test
Based on recent performances, team announcements, and strategic considerations, India’s probable playing XI for the Lord’s Test is likely to feature a blend of experience and youth. The squad is expected to retain the core of the Edgbaston-winning team, with minor tweaks to adapt to Lord’s conditions. Here’s a detailed look at the probable XI and key squad members:
Top Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The explosive opener has been in scintillating form, scoring 87 in the first innings at Edgbaston. His aggressive strokeplay and ability to counter England’s seamers make him a vital cog. Jaiswal’s 2025 form, including centuries at Headingley, highlights his readiness for Lord’s.
KL Rahul: Rahul’s experience at the top is crucial, especially in seaming conditions. Despite a modest series so far, his 1,000 Test runs against England and ability to anchor innings make him indispensable. Rahul’s technique against swing will be tested by England’s pacers.
Karun Nair: Recalled to the Test side after a stellar domestic season, Nair has slotted in at No. 3. His gritty batting at Edgbaston, coupled with his 2016 triple-century against England, adds depth. Nair’s ability to rotate strike and build partnerships will be key.
Middle Order: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy
Shubman Gill: The captain has led from the front, with a double-century and a century at Edgbaston. At 25, Gill is the youngest Indian captain to win an overseas Test, breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s record. His elegant strokeplay and leadership under pressure make him the team’s linchpin.
Rishabh Pant: Pant’s aggressive batting and wicketkeeping have been standout features. His 3,000 Test runs, including seven centuries, make him India’s leading wicketkeeper-batsman in SENA countries. Pant’s counterattacking style could disrupt England’s plans, especially against spin.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: The batting all-rounder earned his spot at Edgbaston, replacing Shardul Thakur. Reddy’s ability to contribute with bat and ball provides balance. His domestic form and composure under pressure make him a promising addition.
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar
Ravindra Jadeja: Despite a lean patch with the ball (five wickets in four Tests), Jadeja’s all-round value is immense. His 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in the World Test Championship highlight his consistency. Jadeja’s left-arm spin could exploit Lord’s variable bounce.
Washington Sundar: Preferred over Kuldeep Yadav at Edgbaston, Sundar’s off-spin and lower-order batting add depth. His economy and ability to bowl long spells make him a safe choice, though Kuldeep’s wrist-spin remains an option if India opt for variety.
Pace Attack: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Jasprit Bumrah: Confirmed to play at Lord’s by Gill, Bumrah’s return strengthens India’s attack. With 29 wickets at 16.75 since the 2024-25 Australia tour, Bumrah is India’s spearhead. His ability to swing the Dukes ball and dismiss Joe Root (nine times in Tests) will be crucial.
Mohammed Siraj: Siraj’s aggression and reverse-swing skills make him a potent threat. His partnership with Bumrah has been effective, though he needs to improve his economy (3.54 at Edgbaston). Siraj’s bouncers could unsettle England’s top order.
Akash Deep: The hero of Edgbaston, Akash Deep’s ten wickets, including six in the second innings, earned him Player of the Match. His ability to hit the deck hard and generate seam movement suits Lord’s. Akash Deep’s rise from domestic cricket to Test stardom is inspiring.
Reserves and Potential Changes
Kuldeep Yadav: Despite not playing at Edgbaston, Kuldeep’s wrist-spin could be a trump card. England’s “Bazball” batsmen have faced minimal wrist-spin at home, and Kuldeep’s strike rate (37.3) is the best among spinners with 50+ Test wickets. He could replace Sundar if India prioritize wickets over control.
Prasidh Krishna: Dropped for Akash Deep at Edgbaston, Krishna remains in contention. His height and bounce could suit Lord’s, but Akash Deep’s form makes his inclusion unlikely.
Dhruv Jurel: The backup wicketkeeper is unlikely to play unless Pant is injured. Jurel’s batting ability makes him a valuable reserve.
Abhimanyu Easwaran: The specialist opener is a backup for Jaiswal or Rahul but hasn’t broken into the XI despite 8,000 first-class runs.
Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer adds variety but is unlikely to feature unless India rotate their pacers.
Strategic Considerations
India’s strategy at Lord’s will hinge on exploiting early swing and seam movement. The pitch is expected to assist pacers initially, with spinners coming into play later. India’s pace trio of Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep can challenge England’s aggressive top order, particularly Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who thrive on attacking shots. Jadeja and Sundar’s role will be to control the run rate and capitalize on any turn or bounce.
Batting-wise, India must navigate England’s seamers, including Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, who exploit home conditions. Jaiswal and Gill’s ability to score quickly can counter England’s “Bazball” chases, as seen in their six successful 250+ run chases since 2022. India’s 850-run effort at Headingley, despite the loss, shows their batting depth, but avoiding collapses (200/5 to 271 at Edgbaston) is critical.
Challenges Posed by England
England’s “Bazball” approach, under Stokes and Brendon McCullum, remains a formidable challenge. Their aggressive batting, led by Joe Root (73 runs shy of 3,000 against India) and Harry Brook, can turn games quickly. India’s bowlers must disrupt England’s rhythm early, as they did at Edgbaston, where Akash Deep dismissed Ollie Pope and Brook in quick succession.
England’s bowling, while competent, lacks the sting of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Jofra Archer’s inclusion, as hinted by James Anderson, could add pace, but his fitness remains a concern. Shoaib Bashir’s off-spin will test India’s batsmen, but his inexperience against wrist-spin (only six balls faced at home) could be exploited if Kuldeep plays.
Historical Context at Lord’s
India’s 2021 win at Lord’s, under Virat Kohli, was a masterclass in pace bowling, with Bumrah and Siraj starring. However, India’s overall record at Lord’s is modest, with only three wins in 18 Tests since 1932. The 2025 Test offers a chance to build on recent successes and cement India’s transition under Gill.
Looking Forward
India’s probable squad for the Lord’s Test combines youth, experience, and versatility. Gill’s leadership, Bumrah’s bowling, and Pant’s batting flair make India favorites, but England’s “Bazball” and Lord’s conditions ensure a tight contest. With the series level at 1-1, the third Test could be a turning point in India’s quest for World Test Championship glory. As Gill’s men take the field on July 10, 2025, Indian fans will hope for a performance that echoes the triumphs of 1971, 1986, and 2007.
