Captain Gill Takes Charge: India vs England Test Series Begins with Fresh Leadership

The hallowed grounds of Headinley in Leeds are all set to host a significant moment in Indian cricket. The highly awaited five–match test series against England starts on 20 June 2025, but this series is more than just cricket. It marks the morning of a new period for new Captain Shubman Gill in Indian Test cricket.

Source: THE TIMES OF INDIA

Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the longest format, the mantle of leadership has passed on to the new Captain Shubman Gill. At 25 Gill has taken on immense responsibility of guiding Indian cricket through generational shifts. His new role as a captain in the India vs England Test series 2025 has created equal parts excitement and curiosity.

Both the countries will compete for a trophy formerly known as Pataudi trophy now called Tendulkar-Anderson trophy, named after legends who are great nods of the game Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson whose legacy is beyond compare.

Shubman Gill: A Young Captain with Big Shoes to Fill

Gill’s appointment as a captain in red ball cricket reflects the selectors long term vision. Though his test batting average 35.05 in 32 match doesn’t scream “captaincy material” to everyone, the qualities that matters most in captaincy go beyond stats. He is calm under pressure, tactically aware and known for his work ethic and willingness to learn.

Source: NDTV Sports

From his impressive debut innings in Australia to captaining Gujarat Titans in IPL, Gill’s captaincy rise has been steady. His 4-1 against Zimbabwe in T20I as a captain was a solid start. Still, leading in Tests is tougher challenge entirely — it takes calm nerves and sharp strategy over long spells of play.

Learning From The Past – Shaping The Road Ahead

India is looking to bounce back in Test series with England after Australia tour where India lost Border-Ghavaskar Trophy 3-1. Jasprit Bumrah with 32 wickets Jaiswal’s elegant batting, and a gutsy draw in Brisbane — but the team also struggled with consistency, especially with the bat.With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, the Indian team now finds itself entering a new phase of transition and rebuilding.

There were a few positives – Yashaswi Jaiswal impressed with his strong form and consistent scoring and youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maidan Test century. A hard-fought draw in Brisbrane showed promise, but overall Australia dominated the series.

Now India is looking forward to a fresh start with England Tour. The squas blends experience with fresh faces. Rishabh Pant’s returning as vice captain will play vital role with his aggressive batting. Karun Nair’s test comeback after eight years brings experience in the middle order.

Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will lead the pace unit supported by Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep. On seam friendly English pitches, their success will be crucial. The spin duties will be handled by Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja with Washington Sundar as a backup.

As India adapts to new leadership and fresh combinations, this series could mark the beginning of new chapter in this red ball journey.

 

England Tour of India 2025 Schedule : Venues that matters

Each Test will unfold at one of England’s most iconic venues:

• 1st Test: Headingley stadium, Leeds (June 20 - 24)

          Conditions: Fast, bouncy, unpredictable.

• 2nd Test: Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2 - 6)

          Conditions: Loud crowd, tough pitch.

• 3rd Test: Lord’s stadium, London (July 10 - 14)

          Conditions: Tradition, pressure, prestige.

• 4th Test: Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23 - 27)

          Condition: Assists spin and seam.

• 5th Test: The Kennington Oval, London (July 31- August 4)

          Conditions: Flat pitch, late swing.

Reading the pitch, adapting to conditions, and making the most of the Dukes ball could be the difference-maker in several matches.

England Tour of India 2025 Squads

India Test squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishab Pant (vice captain/wicket keeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicket keeper), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana

England Test squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes

Crucial Player Battles to Keep an Eye On

Gill vs. Stokes captaincy – Two contrasting leaders. One calm and measured, the other instinctive and aggressive.

Indian Top Order vs. Swing – Jaiswal, Rahul, and Gill must handle movement early.

Bumrah vs. England’s Firepower – His discipline could silence Bazball.

Pant’s Momentum Swings – If Pant scores quickly, it could flip sessions.

Jadeja and Kuldeep vs. England’s Middle Order – Crucial on Day 4 and 5 wickets.

Absence of Veterans, Rise of New Leaders

Without Rohit Sharma’s calm presence and Virat Kohli’s intensity, India will face a gap, but also a chance. Shubman Gill’s leadership style shows blend Rohit’s poise with Kohli’s fire, though his success will rely heavily on the backing of senior players.

Jadeja and Bumrah, now elders in this group, must step up as advisors. Their guidance could shape how the next few years unfold for this team.

Beyond Just a Series: it's a Turning Point in India’s Cricketing Identity

This goes beyond numbers and outcomes it’s a challenge to India’s depth, grit, and long-term vision. Can India evolve, succeed, and end an 18-year wait for a Test series win in England with Shubman Gill as captain?

The cricket world will be watching.

With the bat in hand and the cap on his head, Captain Gill steps up, ready to lead India into a new era of Test cricket.