Former Indian cricketer and prominent commentator Ajay Mehra believes the young Indian cricket team possesses the capability to defeat England in their own backyard. With the highly anticipated five-Test series between India and England scheduled to commence on June 20th in Leeds, Mehra's confidence in the team stems from the blend of youthful exuberance and experienced campaigners within the squad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 18-member squad for the England tour on May 24, 2025, with Shubman Gill named as the Test captain, following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format. Rishabh Pant will serve as his deputy, adding further leadership experience to the team. The squad features a mix of established players and fresh talent, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and the returning Karun Nair. The bowling attack is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, supported by a diverse spin department led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Mehra emphasizes that India's chances hinge on the team's adaptability to the English conditions and their ability to perform consistently throughout the series. The series is particularly significant as it marks India's first challenge in the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Several factors contribute to Mehra's optimism. Firstly, the young players have showcased their potential in recent domestic and international matches. Sai Sudharsan, who has already been included in the Indian team for the England tour, is one example of the abundant talent emerging from the Indian cricketing system. Secondly, the presence of experienced players like KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja provides stability and guidance to the younger members of the team. Thirdly, the diverse bowling attack offers variety and the potential to exploit any weaknesses in the English batting lineup.
The Test series will be played across five iconic English cricket grounds. The first Test will begin on June 20th in Leeds, followed by the second Test in Birmingham, commencing on July 2nd. Lord's Cricket Ground in London will host the third Test, starting on July 10th. The final two Tests will be held at Old Trafford in Manchester and Kennington Oval in London.
While acknowledging the strength of the English team and the challenges of playing in their home conditions, Mehra remains steadfast in his belief that this young Indian team has the talent, determination, and capability to emerge victorious. He notes that Shubman Gill's leadership will be crucial, and Kuldeep Yadav has expressed confidence in Gill's ability to lead the team effectively, even with the absence of seasoned players like Kohli and Sharma. The team will need to adapt quickly to the conditions and play with a fearless attitude to overcome the home advantage that England possesses.
