KKN Gurugram Desk | The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced its 18-member Test squad for the much-anticipated England tour 2025, and the exclusions have caused more buzz than the inclusions.

Veteran cricketers Mohammed Shami, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane have been left out of the squad—sparking widespread speculation about whether this marks the end of their Test careers.

With selectors turning their focus to youth, the absence of these experienced players has ignited a passionate debate among fans and experts: Has Indian cricket moved on from its trusted Test veterans?

The Big Three Left Out: Who, Why, and What Next?

Mohammed Shami – A Fitness Concern

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami, one of India’s most dependable red-ball pacers, has been sidelined due to fitness concerns. According to chief selector Ajit Agarkar, the medical team has deemed Shami unfit for the rigors of Test cricket at this time.

“Shami’s body is not currently able to handle the workload of red-ball cricket,” Agarkar said during the squad announcement.

This statement comes as a disappointment to fans who saw Shami as a crucial weapon in England’s pace-friendly conditions, especially after his stellar performances in past overseas tours.

Cheteshwar Pujara – Out of Sight, Out of the Squad

Once hailed as the backbone of India’s Test batting lineup, Cheteshwar Pujara has not featured in a Test match since June 2023, when he played against Australia.

Despite being a consistent performer in first-class cricket, Pujara has failed to regain his place in the national team. His omission now seems less like a pause and more like a permanent exclusion, with selectors clearly signaling a focus on the future.

Ajinkya Rahane – Comeback Hopes Fade Further

Similar to Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, another senior figure in India’s red-ball squad, has been out of the Test team since July 2023, when he last toured the West Indies.

Though he recently stated in an interview that he still hopes for a national comeback, his exclusion from a major tour like England suggests otherwise. The selectors appear to be investing fully in the next generation, leaving limited room for past stalwarts.

Youth Takes Over: Shubman Gill to Lead, Pant as Deputy

One of the major headlines of this squad announcement is that Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain, with Rishabh Pant serving as his vice-captain.

This significant leadership transition marks a new era in Indian Test cricket. It’s clear that the BCCI is now focused on building a long-term core around emerging talents.

Young Faces in the Squad: India’s Next Test Generation

Several young and promising players have been drafted into the England-bound squad, including:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Sai Sudharsan

• KL Rahul (returning as a senior figure)

• Abhimanyu Easwaran

These selections underscore the selectors’ intent to groom players for future challenges in overseas conditions. The batting order, once dominated by Pujara and Rahane, now sees fresh faces ready to write their own Test legacies.

Bowling Unit: A Mix of Experience and Promise

India’s bowling lineup for the England tour also reflects this generational shift. The squad includes:

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Mohammed Siraj

• Arshdeep Singh

• Kuldeep Yadav

While Bumrah and Siraj bring proven Test credentials, the inclusion of Arshdeep and Kuldeep indicates an experimental yet calculated approach to balancing youth with experience.

Sunil Gavaskar Weighs In: Selection Policy Under Scrutiny

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has raised eyebrows over not just the exclusion of veterans but also the omission of Sarfaraz Khan, a prolific performer in domestic cricket.

“If domestic performance doesn’t guarantee a chance, then what does? These decisions need to be consistent and transparent,” Gavaskar said on a sports broadcast.

The criticism highlights a growing divide between the selection committee’s strategy and public perception, especially when seasoned performers and domestic stars continue to be overlooked.

Are Shami, Pujara, and Rahane’s Test Careers Over?

The recurring question now doing the rounds is whether this is the end of the Test road for these three veterans. Let’s examine their current standing:

Mohammed Shami

• Age: 34

• Fitness: Reportedly under rehab

• Last Test: January 2024 (vs South Africa)

While still a top-tier pacer when fit, age and recurring injuries may push Shami toward shorter formats or selective overseas assignments in the future.

Cheteshwar Pujara

• Age: 37

• Last Test: June 2023 (vs Australia)

• Recent Performance: Solid in Ranji, but slow scoring rate remains a concern

Without strong backing from selectors or visible impact in high-profile matches, Pujara’s red-ball career seems to be quietly drawing to a close.

Ajinkya Rahane

• Age: 36

• Last Test: July 2023 (vs West Indies)

• Recent Statements: Still hopeful for return

Despite his optimism, selectors’ recent decisions suggest that Rahane’s leadership and batting experience are no longer part of India’s long-term Test blueprint.

Selectors Focus on Transition and Continuity

Under Ajit Agarkar’s leadership, the selection panel appears committed to preparing for the future. With several ICC tournaments and overseas tours scheduled over the next three years, building a stable and young Test team is clearly the priority.

This forward-thinking strategy might not please all fans, especially those attached to iconic players, but it reflects the evolving demands of modern cricket.

Fan Reactions: A Mix of Disappointment and Optimism

Social media has been flooded with mixed responses. While some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of long-time favorites, others hailed the new squad as “bold and future-ready.”

Popular fan tweets include:

• “Shami’s exclusion hurts. He’s our best red-ball bowler.”

• “Pujara and Rahane gave us memorable wins overseas. This is how we repay them?”

• “Excited to see Jaiswal, Gill, and Easwaran in action. New era begins!”

The Road Ahead: India’s Test Future in Transition

India’s Test team is currently navigating a critical phase of transition. With rising stars like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant stepping into leadership roles, the baton is being passed to a new generation.

This transformation doesn’t negate the contributions of Shami, Pujara, and Rahane—it simply reflects the natural progression of competitive sport, where form, fitness, and future planning dictate team composition.

As India heads into the England Test series 2025, eyes will be on how the next-gen squad performs in challenging conditions. For Shami, Pujara, and Rahane, this might be a pause, not necessarily a full stop.

Yet, the writing on the wall is clear—the Indian Test team is moving forward, and only consistent performance and fitness will offer a path back for the old guard.

For now, fans can only hope that the veterans continue to contribute in domestic cricket and perhaps make one final comeback before the curtain truly falls.