The much-anticipated five-match Test series between England and India is set to commence on June 20th, with the first Test taking place in Headingley, Leeds. This series marks a significant transition for the Indian team, with Shubman Gill taking on the captaincy following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The series will also kickstart India’s World Test Championship campaign for the 2025-27 cycle.
The Indian squad features a blend of youth and experience. The opening partnership will likely be formed by Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, tasked with providing stability at the top of the order. Sai Sudharsan, who is in exceptional form after an impressive IPL 2025 season, is poised to make his Test debut at number 3. New captain Shubman Gill is expected to fill Virat Kohli’s position at number 4. Rishabh Pant will be behind the stumps, adding his dynamic batting skills to the team. Karun Nair, with his powerful batting and match-winning ability, is another valuable addition. Ravindra Jadeja will play a crucial role as the all-rounder. The bowling attack, a mix of pace and spin, will include Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav.
The Headingley pitch is known to favor seam bowlers, particularly in the early stages of a match, with pace and bounce on offer. The overcast conditions typical of Leeds further aid swing bowling, presenting challenges for batsmen. The ball is likely to move around in the initial phase, testing India’s top order. As the Test progresses, the pitch tends to flatten out, providing easier conditions for batting. Later in the match, spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja can become more influential as the surface deteriorates. The weather forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with potential light rain on Days 2 and 4, which could lead to interruptions but could also favor the bowlers.