Zaheer Khan has failed to find a place in an unusually large squad for the five Tests against England starting July. Other major talking points in the 18-man squad were the return of Gautam Gambhir, who last played Tests for India in December 2012, and the inclusion of Rajasthan's pace bowler Pankaj Singh. The touring party included the top seven that went to New Zealand, retained the two spinners, featured six quicks and one seaming allrounder, to go with Gambhir and reserve wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha.