A new era in Indian Test cricket begins today as Shubman Gill leads a rejuvenated India side against England in the first Test of a high-stakes 5-match series at Headingley. With stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin having bid adieu to the red-ball format, the focus now shifts to fresh faces, bold decisions, and a captain tasked with rebuilding India’s Test legacy from the top.
Shubman Gill’s Test of Fire: A Captain with a Vision
Taking over the Test captaincy in a time of transition, 24-year-old Shubman Gill acknowledged the challenge and opportunity ahead. At the pre-match press conference, Gill stressed the team’s laser-sharp focus: “If you want to win a Test, you must take 20 wickets. That’s non-negotiable, no matter how many runs you score.”
This clarity echoes in India’s team selection and strategy. Gill has struggled in English conditions, averaging only 14.66 from three previous Tests here. But this series is his chance at redemption — not just personally, but as a leader building something new.
Rahane’s Bold Picks: A Blending of Youth, Experience & Balance
Veteran Ajinkya Rahane, now a key advisor in the team’s strategic group, revealed his predicted XI — a dynamic mix of attacking openers, a fresh No. 3, and a middle-order brimming with intent and versatility.
Predicted Playing XI:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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KL Rahul
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Sai Sudharsan (Test debut)
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Shubman Gill (c)
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Dhruv Jurel
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Rishabh Pant (wk)
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Shardul Thakur
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Mohammed Siraj
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Arshdeep Singh
This line-up signals a clear direction: build for the future while holding a competitive edge in the present.
Debuts to Watch: Sai Sudharsan & Abhimanyu Easwaran Step In
With big shoes to fill, the Indian team will see debutants stepping up under pressure. Tamil Nadu’s Sai Sudharsan, known for his technically sound strokeplay, takes on the No. 3 role — a crucial position in English conditions.
Also expected to make an appearance this series is Bengal’s Abhimanyu Easwaran, another dependable performer in domestic cricket, long seen as ready for the next level.
Their performance will not only define India’s batting future but may also influence selection heading into the World Test Championship cycle.
Middle-Order Firepower: Pant Returns, Jurel Promoted
In a bold move, India is testing a dual-wicketkeeper strategy with Rishabh Pant returning as the primary glovesman and Dhruv Jurel joining as a middle-order asset. This reflects flexibility — a need in English conditions where adaptability matters more than convention.
Pant’s explosive counter-attacking style and Jurel’s resilience offer India two dynamic engines in the middle.
Bowling Blueprint: India Bets on Firepower Over Spin
With spin-friendly conditions unlikely in Leeds, India’s strategy revolves around pace. Three specialist quicks — Bumrah, Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh — lead the charge, backed by the all-round skills of Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja.
This setup, as Gill hinted, is built on balance: “There might be a case where we go with six pure batters, and you will see a bowling all-rounder and three-four premier fast bowlers.”
Match Details: Where to Watch ENG vs IND 1st Test Live
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Venue: Headingley, Leeds
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Date: Starting Friday, June 21, 2025
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Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network
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Live Streaming: JioHotstar
England’s Line-up: No Broad, No Anderson — But No Less Dangerous
England, too, is entering a new chapter without James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Skipper Ben Stokes will lead a young, aggressive side featuring the likes of Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Sam Cook.
England Squad Highlights:
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Zak Crawley
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Ben Duckett
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Joe Root
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Ben Stokes (c)
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Jamie Smith (wk)
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Josh Tongue
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Brydon Carse
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Chris Woakes
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Shoaib Bashir
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Samuel Cook
While the attack may look unfamiliar, home advantage and English flair remain potent weapons.
A Fierce New Beginning
This is more than just another Test match. It’s the first page in a new chapter of Indian cricket, with Shubman Gill at the helm, and promising young talents carving out their place in history. The balance between tradition and transition will be tested — and fans can expect a fierce, emotionally charged battle between two evolving giants.
