The much-anticipated five-match Test series between England and India kicks off on June 20th at Headingley, Leeds. The series marks a significant shift for the Indian team as Shubman Gill takes over the captaincy after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This series also initiates India’s World Test Championship campaign for the 2025-27 cycle.
The Indian squad will likely feature a mix of young players and experienced campaigners. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to open, aiming to provide a stable start. Sai Sudharsan is likely to debut at number 3 following his strong IPL 2025 season, with Shubman Gill batting at number 4. Rishabh Pant will keep wickets, bringing his dynamic batting to the team. Karun Nair is expected to add further batting depth and match-winning ability. Ravindra Jadeja is expected to play a key role as the all-rounder. The bowling attack will comprise a blend of pace and spin, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav.
The Headingley pitch is generally known to support seam bowlers, particularly in the early stages, offering pace and bounce. Overcast conditions common in Leeds favor swing bowling, potentially testing the batsmen. The ball may initially move around, challenging India’s top order. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to become more favorable for batting. Spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja could become more effective as the game goes on. The weather forecast anticipates partly cloudy conditions with the possibility of light rain on Days 2 and 4, potentially impacting the match and assisting the bowlers.