famous commentator Harsha Bhogle has fueled cricket discussions around the world by revealing its key Test lineup for 2025. His selection highlights a shift towards high-impact players, including a balance of serious traditionalists and aggressive stroke-makers. Notably, the XI picked on Cricbuzz includes four Indian stars who have been instrumental in their team’s success throughout the busy calendar year.
Harsha Bhogle’s test team of the year 2025
stylish top order
The opening pair is a mix of technique and flair. KL Rahul After a stellar year, he secured his place by scoring 813 runs in 19 innings at an average of 45.2, including three centuries. It’s unconventional to partner with him travis headBhogle praised him for his match-winning cameos in the Ashes, which included a crucial 120 against the West Indies, and a consistently aggressive start.
India’s Test captain is at number three Shubman GillWho finished 2025 as a leading contender for Player of the Year. Gill’s staggering 983 runs, which included five centuries and a mammoth 269 against England, made him an automatic choice.
Great players of modern times in the middle order
The middle order is a “who’s who” of batting royalty. Joe Root Continuing his historic journey, he became the first player to cross 6,000 WTC runs. In 2025, he made big scores, including 150 against India. to follow him steve smithWhose two centuries (131 and 141) against Sri Lanka at the beginning of the year proved that he remains a master of this format.
Ravindra Jadeja Positioned as the premier batting all-rounder. While his bowling was steady, his batting reached new heights in 2025, averaging 63.7 and hitting five consecutive fifties during the England tour.
behind the stump, alex carey Earned his spot with both glove and bat. Carey enjoyed a career-best year, scoring 743 runs at an average of 53, including a top score of 156. The only specialist spinner is from South Africa simon harmerWho terrorized the lineup at the end of 2025, taking 21 wickets in just two Tests against India, including two separate six-wicket hauls.
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Pace Battery: Fire and Lead
The bowling attack is led by Bhogle’s Test Player of the Year, Mitchell StarcThe left-handed batsman enjoyed a “dominant” year at the age of 35, taking 55 wickets at a remarkable average of 17,3, he has joined pat cumminsWho not only led Australia to the WTC final but also maintained an elite bowling average of 16.53 in all his appearances. Bhogle also made Cummins the captain of the team.
XI is to be rounded off Mohammad SirajThe Indian fast bowler was rewarded for his tireless work ethic and an extraordinary series against England, where he took 23 wickets, and often got the better of his senior teammates through perseverance,
Harsha Bhogle’s Test team of the year 2025: KL Rahul, Travis Head, Shubman Gill, Steve Smith, Joe Root, Ravindra Jadeja, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Mohammed Siraj, Simon Harmer
Also read: Mitchell Starc to Dale Steyn: Top 5 bowlers with the best strike-rate in a calendar year in Tests