As India prepares for its five-match Test series Karun Nair against England starting June 20, 2025, the spotlight is on how the team will fill the void left by the recent retirements of batting greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While head coach Gautam Gambhir hinted that experienced batsman Karun Nair could feature in the playing eleven at Headingley, captain Shubman Gill and Gambhir both remain tight-lipped about the final batting order.
Karun Nair’s Form and Prospects
Karun Nair has been in fine form throughout the domestic season across all formats. His impressive performances for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 and for India A on their England tour, where he scored a commanding 208 against the England Lions, have boosted his chances of securing a spot in the Test side. Gambhir praised Nair’s experience playing county cricket in England and stressed the importance of rewarding consistent domestic performers.
 "Karun Nair to Get Fair Chance in England; Gill, Gambhir Non-Committal on Kohli’s No.4 Successor 1")
“It’s great for domestic cricket. If you keep performing, the doors are never closed,” Gambhir said, emphasizing that Nair will be given a “decent run” to prove himself at the highest level.
Batting Order Still Undecided
Despite the excitement around Nair, both Gambhir and captain Gill have avoided confirming the team lineup or batting positions. Gill explained that the team will make final decisions only after an intra-squad match and a 10-day preparatory camp in London.
“We still have some time. We will decide the batting order once we go there,” Gill said, highlighting that several players are vying for key slots.
Potential Candidates to Fill Big Shoes
Besides Nair, Shubman Gill himself is a candidate for both opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and for the crucial No.4 spot, previously occupied by Kohli. KL Rahul, who had a strong showing in Australia earlier this year, is also a contender for the opening position, while Abhimanyu Easwaran is another option to open the innings.
The selectors and team management seem to be keeping their options open, keen to test combinations before locking down the lineup.
What This Means for India
The upcoming series is a critical moment for India’s Test team as it transitions into a new era without two of its most prolific batsmen. The opportunity for players like Karun Nair represents a broader message about the importance of domestic performance and depth in Indian cricket.
As the tour unfolds, cricket fans worldwide will watch closely to see who rises to fill the legacy of Kohli and Sharma, and how the young leadership of Shubman Gill shapes India’s fortunes in challenging English conditions.
Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis of the India vs England Test series 2025.