With a new captain at the helm and several big names missing, India face a stern examination as they take on England in the first Test of a five-match series at Headingley, Leeds — the curtain-raiser to the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
This series not only renews a storied rivalry but also marks a significant shift in Indian cricket. For the first time in over a decade, India head into an overseas Test without the leadership or presence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or R Ashwin — three stalwarts whose retirements have ushered in a new era.
Adding to the narrative is the recently launched Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, fuelling an already intense contest.
India, who last won a Test series in England in 2007, arrive on the back of two significant setbacks — a 3-0 whitewash at home to New Zealand and a 3-1 series loss in Australia. These results have dented their Test ranking, but they now have a chance to reboot under Shubman Gill’s leadership.
The 24-year-old Gill takes charge of a transitional side that blends promise with inexperience. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja form the spine, providing continuity and stability, while the top-order sees Yashasvi Jaiswal partner Rahul, with the No. 3 spot contested between Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair.
I think Shubman will bat at No. 4, and I am going to stick to No. 5 as of now. The rest, we are going to keep discussing.
If Sudharsan is picked, he is likely to bat at No. 3. But India may opt for flexibility and depth with all-rounders like Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, and Jadeja, which could open the door for Nair — who has been in sublime form.
Nair scored 863 runs at 53.93 in the Ranji season for Vidarbha and followed it up with a double hundred in the tour game. His experience in English conditions — 736 runs at 56.61 for Northamptonshire over two seasons — could tip the scales in his favour.
The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna as his fast-bowling allies.
England’s Challenge: Bazball vs Experience
England, under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, have enjoyed a revival through the aggressive "Bazball" philosophy — winning eight of their last 12 Test series since mid-2022. While their batting remains world-class, led by Joe Root and Stokes himself, injuries to Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Ollie Stone have left their bowling attack depleted.
Chris Woakes, with his exceptional home record, will lead the attack, supported by Brydon Carse, who has impressed early in his career with 27 wickets in five Tests at under 20. Shoaib Bashir offers a spin option and could be crucial as the match progresses.
There’s been a lot said about no Rohit, no Virat and no Ashwin. But that doesn’t mean we think it’s going to be easier. The pool of talent that Indian cricket has is just ginormous.
We haven’t lost a game when Woakes has played under Bazball. That shows his value. He thrives on responsibility and brings relentlessness with the ball.
For India, K.L. Rahul — who scored a century at Lord’s in 2021 — and Rishabh Pant will be key, especially against the moving Dukes ball. For England, their hopes rest on their aggressive batting and Woakes replicating his dominant form at home.
The historical numbers favour England: 51 wins to India’s 35, with 50 draws in 136 Tests. But for Gill’s side, the bigger battle lies in proving that India’s red-ball future is in safe hands.
Probable Playing XIs: England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir; India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, K.L. Rahul, B. Sai Sudharsan/Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
