Shardul Thakur Set to Join Team India for England Tour 2025

According to a Cricbuzz report, the selectors are close to finalising the India A squad for the shadow tour ahead of the England Test series — and there are some exciting names in the mix. Karun Nair could be making a long-overdue return, while Shardul Thakur is also being considered for a Test comeback.

Thakur, who last played a Test in December 2023 during the South Africa tour, might skip the A team altogether and go straight into the senior squad for the England series. He’s had a solid domestic season, both with bat and ball, and that’s put him back on the selectors’ radar. For Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, he grabbed 35 wickets and scored over 500 runs. Add to that his 12 wickets for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, and it’s clear Thakur has been putting in the hard yards. 

His experience and ability to chip in with the bat could be a big plus for India in English conditions, where seamers who can bat a bit are gold. The last time Thakur toured England in 2021, he made a real impact — eight wickets and two gritty fifties across three Tests — and that series ended in a memorable 2-2 draw.  

Meanwhile, Karun Nair might be in line for a long-awaited comeback to the national setup. The 32-year-old hasn’t played a Test since 2017, but his recent form for Vidarbha has turned heads. Nair’s been one of the standout performers in the 2024–25 domestic season — from the Ranji Trophy to the Vijay Hazare Trophy — helping guide Vidarbha to the Ranji title and racking up runs along the way. Known best for his incredible triple-century against England in 2016, Nair could find his way back into the India A squad — and possibly even the senior side — if he keeps up this run of form. 

Cricbuzz reports that the India A squad will be officially announced on May 13, with Abhimanyu Easwaran expected to lead the team. The A side will play two four-day games against the England Lions from May 30 to June 2 and then from June 6 to 9. They’ll also play a third match against the senior Indian team from June 13 to 16. The senior Test squad itself will be named on May 23. And with Rohit Sharma stepping away from the format, India will also have a new Test captain — likely Shubman Gill, who seems to be next in line. 

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