The highly anticipated five-Test series between India and England commences today, June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, marking the start of the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2025-2027. This series is particularly significant as it witnesses Shubman Gill's debut as India's Test captain, ushering in a new era for Indian cricket. The series is named the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.
At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill takes on the captaincy following Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket. Gill's appointment signals a clear transition, with Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin also having moved on from the Test format. This leaves Gill to lead a relatively inexperienced side, blending fresh talent with seasoned players. The team sees the inclusion of new faces like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, alongside recalls for Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur, indicating a strategic mix of youth and experience. Rishabh Pant has been named as the vice-captain.
Gill's leadership is not entirely without precedent. He has captained in five first-class matches, including one Ranji Trophy game. More notably, he led the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), guiding them to a playoff berth in his second season. This experience in a high-pressure environment will be invaluable as he navigates the challenges of Test captaincy against a formidable England side. KL Rahul, a senior team member, has offered his support, advising Gill to give his teammates space to perform.
The young captain recognizes the importance of taking 20 wickets to win a Test match, emphasizing that bowlers will determine the result. Gill has expressed his intent to focus on his batting and dominate the opposition rather than being bogged down by the pressures of captaincy. He also revealed that he would bat at number 4, previously occupied by Virat Kohli.
England, led by Ben Stokes, will aim to continue their aggressive "Bazball" approach to Test cricket. Their squad includes experienced players like Joe Root and rising stars such as Harry Brook. The English side will be a stern test for Gill's captaincy.
Historically, England holds the upper hand in Test matches played between the two nations, with 51 wins compared to India's 35, and 50 draws. At Headingley, England has won 4 out of the 7 encounters, while India has won 2. One match ended in a draw.
The weather forecast for the first three days of the Test match predicts bright and sunny conditions. However, the last two days may see some rain.
As Shubman Gill embarks on his journey as Test captain, all eyes will be on him to see how he leads this new-look Indian team. This series is a significant opportunity for Gill to establish himself as a leader and guide India through this transitional phase, while also aiming for a first Test series win in England since 2007.
