India Squad For Eng Tour Live: Shubman Gill primed to become India captain

While the pace attack led by Bumrah boasts plenty of experience, concerns linger about his stamina for a five-match series, along with questions over Mohammed Shami's fitness.

Can Shami recover swiftly enough to meet the demands of a lengthy series? Mohammed Siraj is expected to be the third swing bowler, but if five fast bowlers are chosen, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh (who is yet to play Test cricket) will also be in contention.

If the team includes a left-arm pacer, Arshdeep will compete with Khaleel Ahmed for that spot.

With R. Ashwin retired, Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be the lead spinner, and it will be interesting to see whether the teamfields two or three spinners in English conditions.

If only two spinners are selected, Washington Sundar could be favored over Kuldeep Yadav, who has demonstrated his value across formats.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are likely to open in the first Test at Leeds beginning June 20, with Sai Sudharsan as a strong contender for a backup opener.

There is also speculation about whether Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, or Shreyas Iyer will be added as an extra specialist batsman.

Rishabh Pant continues to be the primary wicket-keeper and the probable backup, with Dhruv Jurel expected to maintain his place in the team.

After nearly three decades of certainty at No. 4 in the form of Tendulkar and Kohli, that job could go to the new skipper Gill.

Shubman Gill, 25, is the frontrunner for the captaincy as India starts a new chapter in the World Test Championship (2025-27), following the recent retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma within a week.

While Jasprit Bumrah, who was vice-captain during the last tour of Australia, would logically be a strong candidate for promotion, concerns about his long-term fitness and workload are expected to pose challenges in the decision-making process.

Also in focus is the vice-captaincy role with Rishabh Pant a likely candidate, despite a poor IPL for LSG.