The India-England Test series, a five-match contest, will commence on June 20th, with the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. This series is significant as it marks the beginning of a new era for the Indian team under the leadership of newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The series is also the start of India’s World Test Championship campaign for the 2025-27 cycle.
The probable Indian playing XI is expected to blend youth and experience. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are likely to open the innings, aiming to provide stability. Sai Sudharsan, after a successful IPL 2025 season, is tipped to make his Test debut at number 3, while captain Shubman Gill will bat at number 4. Rishabh Pant is expected to be the wicketkeeper, contributing with his batting skills. Karun Nair will be a valuable addition, bringing his batting prowess to the team. Ravindra Jadeja will play an essential role as an all-rounder. The bowling attack will consist of a blend of pace and spin, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav.
The Headingley pitch historically favors seam bowlers, particularly early in the match, offering pace and bounce. The overcast conditions often present in Leeds assist swing bowlers, posing a challenge to the batsmen. Initially, the ball may move around, testing the technique of India’s top order. As the Test progresses, the pitch typically becomes more conducive to batting, with spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja potentially becoming more effective later in the match. The weather forecast suggests partly cloudy conditions with possible light rain on Days 2 and 4, which could interrupt play and assist the bowlers.