With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, India now faces the inevitable task of rebuilding a red-ball core — one that can carry the team into the next phase of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
And according to former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar, the future may already be knocking.
Fresh Faces for Fresh Challenges
Ahead of the five-Test series against England starting June 20, Bangar has put forward two names who could plug the massive gaps left behind by Kohli and Rohit: Abhimanyu Easwaran and Karun Nair.
Now, these aren’t random picks. These are domestic giants who’ve been grinding it out in India’s first-class scene for years — and they might finally be getting their moment in the sun.
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Let’s start at the top. Literally. Bangar believes Easwaran is the man to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Test opener. And honestly, it’s hard to argue.
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7,600+ runs in first-class cricket
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27 centuries to his name
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Consistently among the top domestic run-scorers year after year
He’s also been a regular part of India A tours and will lead the India A side against the England Lions, which adds even more weight to his case.
While Easwaran hasn’t debuted at the Test level yet, this could be the perfect opportunity — a long series in England, tough conditions, and a chance to prove he belongs.
Karun Nair
And then there’s Karun Nair — the man who once hit a triple century in just his third Test, but somehow vanished from the national setup just as quickly.
Now 32, Nair is knocking hard on the door again.
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863 runs in the Ranji Trophy
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779 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
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Consistent form across formats this season
Bangar is spot on: if Indian cricket really believes in rewarding domestic performances, Nair is long overdue for a recall. With Kohli’s No. 4 spot open, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
The Captaincy Conundrum
Of course, new faces also mean new leadership. With the BCCI set to announce the squad by May 24, all eyes are on the captaincy. Shubman Gill appears to be the frontrunner — young, composed, and already part of the Test setup.
But don’t count out Jasprit Bumrah just yet. His name has surfaced too, though recurring injuries could make that a risky bet.
Final Thoughts
The likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have carried Indian Test cricket for over a decade. Their absence will be felt — in the dressing room, at the crease, and in the hearts of fans.
But the beauty of the sport lies in its cycle. As legends fade, new stars rise.
Abhimanyu Easwaran and Karun Nair aren’t just “replacements” — they’re the start of a new story. And if they get their chance this summer, England 2025 could mark the beginning of India’s next great Test era.
India’s 2025 England Tour – Full Schedule
Here’s what the road ahead looks like:
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1st Test: June 20–24 (Leeds)
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2nd Test: July 02–06 (Birmingham)
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3rd Test: July 10–14 (Lord’s)
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4th Test: July 23–27 (Manchester)
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5th Test: July 31–August 04 (The Oval)
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