“I don’t expect any miracles” – Kiran More slams lack of planning in Team India’s transition ahead of ENG vs...

Former India wicket-keeper Kiran More has taken aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for not anticipating the retirements of key players and preparing adequately for the Test team’s transition. India faces the England challenge without stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have retired from red-ball cricket.

A New-Look Squad Begins WTC 2025-27 Cycle

The Indian squad for the England tour marks the official beginning of a new era in Test cricket. Shubman Gill will lead the side, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. Youngsters like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have received maiden Test call-ups, while Karun Nair, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Dhruv Jurel—though experienced in domestic cricket—are still new to the international Test arena.

Significantly, the selectors have resisted bringing back experienced names like Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, or Shreyas Iyer, signalling a bold shift in direction.

Kiran More Questions Leadership Planning

Speaking on Jio Hotstar, More said India’s poor succession planning could lead to a tough time in England:

“First thing, I’m surprised. The whole selection committee and coach should’ve thought about this, that this (transition) was going to come. Now, suddenly, everybody has woken up and they’re asking who should be the next captain. They should’ve been prepared. I feel we haven’t prepared for 1.5 years. This is a big wake-up call for us.”

He added bluntly:

“I don’t expect any miracles on this (England) tour because I think India are going to struggle.”

Agarkar’s Take on Rebuilding Phase

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged the challenge of losing multiple senior players at once:

“When guys like that retire, always big holes to fill. Ashwin also retired. Those three have been stalwarts. Always difficult. One way of looking at it is, opportunity for someone else.

India’s Squad for 2025 England Tour

India Test Squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

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