Cricket’s most anticipated rivalry is back. India visits England for a five-match Test series beginning June 20, 2025. The series marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. More importantly, it opens a new chapter for both teams.
India came into the tour with a rather young team. Big names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin have retired. England, too, will be without the services of Anderson and Stuart Broad. The India vs England test series is going to be the true test for the newcomers. Both teams want to start the WTC on a stronger note.
Let’s break down the squads, key players, recent form, matchups, and series predictions.
India’s Squad: New Faces, Big Dreams
India have picked a bold squad. The team is now led by Shubman Gill, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. Their playing XI for the first Test at Headingley is expected to be:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rishabh Pant (vc, wk)
- Karun Nair
- Nitish Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Jasprit Bumrah
This lineup reflects India’s future. It blends raw talent with experience in key roles. Bumrah, Jadeja, and Pant will be key. The rest are out to prove they belong.
England’s Squad: Bazball Lives On
England continue their Bazball approach under Ben Stokes. Their squad for the first Test includes:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
- Shoaib Bashir
The lineup is full of attacking players. Pope has moved to No. 3. Root remains the anchor. Brook is the x-factor. England’s bowling will rely on Woakes, Carse, and Bashir. They’ll miss the injured Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson.
Key Players – India
Shubman Gill (Captain)
Gill leads India into a new phase. He plays at No. 4. In Tests, he averages 34.66 after 26 matches. His temperament and technique will be tested in England. He scored a century in Chattogram but struggled on green pitches. This tour is his biggest challenge yet.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opener)
Jaiswal is in red-hot form. He smashed two double hundreds in the 2024 home series against England. He became the first batter to hit 20 sixes in a single Test series. Now, he must prove himself in swinging conditions. A solid start at Headingley will set the tone.
KL Rahul (Top Order)
Rahul returns after injury. He has a proven Test record in England. He scored 129 at Lord’s in 2021. His ability to absorb pressure and rotate strike will be vital. He also brings flexibility in the batting order.
Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Keeper)
Pant is back after a long layoff. He is known for his aggressive style and match-winning ability. His unbeaten 89 at the Gabba in 2021 is legendary. He is now also a senior figure. Pant admitted he is glad not to face Anderson and Broad again. He will be key in England’s flat middle overs.
Jasprit Bumrah (Pace Spearhead)
Bumrah is India’s main weapon. He was the top wicket-taker in England’s 2021 series, with 23 wickets at 22.47. He’s lethal with both new and old balls. Bumrah averages under 20 in Tests and remains India’s best chance for breakthroughs.
Ravindra Jadeja (Spin All-Rounder)
Jadeja’s role will grow in the later Tests. England’s dry summer could aid spin at Old Trafford and The Oval. Jadeja is also valuable with the bat. His average is now over 36 in Tests.
Key Players – England
Joe Root (No. 4)
Root is the heartbeat of England’s batting. Since mid-2022, he has scored over 3,000 runs at an average close to 57. He has 11 centuries in that time. Against India, he has over 2,500 career runs. Root’s calmness and ability to play spin and pace equally well make him a threat.
Harry Brook (Middle Order)
Brook has taken Test cricket by storm. He averages over 58 in 25 matches. His ability to score quickly can change games. He scored a triple century against Pakistan last year. India will aim to dismiss him early.
Ollie Pope (No. 3)
Pope has been trusted with a key spot. He scored 171 against Zimbabwe recently. He has two Test centuries at home. If he settles in, England’s top order becomes dangerous.
Ben Stokes (Captain)
Stokes has led England to 10 wins from 14 Tests in the last two years. His leadership is bold. As a batter, he is aggressive and unafraid to counterattack. Stokes also bowls short spells, but his main role is tactical.
Chris Woakes (Bowler)
Woakes is a master in English conditions. He has 51 wickets in 12 home Tests at an average below 22. His control and swing make him the ideal opening bowler.
Shoaib Bashir (Spinner)
Bashir is England’s surprise weapon. He picked up a six-for against Zimbabwe. He’s being groomed to take the mantle left by Jack Leach. He might enjoy dry surfaces later in the series.
Recent Test Form
India in England (2021)
India led the series 2-1 before the final Test was postponed. England won the rescheduled game to tie the series. Bumrah starred with 23 wickets. Rahul scored a century. Kohli struggled. Pant and Jadeja contributed sporadically.
India at Home vs England (2024)
India won 4-1. Jaiswal was the star with two double centuries. Bumrah and Jadeja took key wickets. England’s Bazball approach had moments of brilliance but lacked consistency.
England’s Recent Form
England defeated Pakistan and Zimbabwe in recent Tests. Brook and Root scored big. Pope returned to form. Bashir and Carse impressed. Their batting is fearless. Their bowling attack has depth despite injuries.
Tactical Matchups
- Bumrah vs Root – This is a key contest. Bumrah has dismissed Root five times in Tests. He bowls with pace and accuracy. But Root is England’s best batter. He has scored heavily against India. This battle could shape the innings.
- Jaiswal vs Woakes – Jaiswal likes to dominate spinners. But in England, he will face swing early. Woakes is dangerous with the new ball. His line and movement can trouble Jaiswal.
- Brook vs Jadeja – Brook plays aggressively. He likes to attack spin. But Jadeja is disciplined. He bowls tight lines and controls runs. One mistake from Brook can cost big.
- Pant vs Bashir – Pant loves to go after spin. Bashir is inexperienced but talented. He must stay calm under pressure. Varying pace and flight will be key.
- Jadeja vs Bashir (Spin Battle) – Both spinners can influence the last two Tests. Especially if the pitches dry out. Control and patience will matter.
Conditions and Venues
Headingley (Leeds)
This ground traditionally favors fast bowlers. Early in the match, there is plenty of swing. Seam movement is common on Day 1. Batting becomes easier after the first session. Overcast skies make conditions tougher. Expect low first-innings scores if bowlers hit the right areas.
Edgbaston (Birmingham)
Edgbaston offers a balanced surface. Fast bowlers get bounce and carry. Batters enjoy stroke play once they settle. The outfield is fast, so runs come quickly. It’s a good venue for test cricket. Teams batting first usually have an edge.
Lord’s (London)
The pitch has a famous slope. Seamers get help early on. The ball moves both ways with the new ball. Batting becomes easier on Days 2 and 3. Spin plays a small role here. Toss can be crucial at this ground.
Old Trafford (Manchester)
The pitch starts slow but breaks up. Spinners enjoy bowling on Days 4 and 5. Reverse swing also becomes a factor. Batters need to dig in early.
The Oval (London)
A flat pitch helps batting early. The surface is good for stroke play. Later in the game, it offers turn. Spinners can come into play from Day 4.
Expert Opinions
- Nasser Hussain predicted a 2-1 win for England. He warned them not to take India lightly. Hussain praised India’s young talent and fighting spirit.
- Dale Steyn called Jasprit Bumrah the most dangerous bowler in world cricket. He said Bumrah can win matches single-handedly.
- Matthew Hayden backed India’s young batters. He believes they can shock England with fearless cricket.
- Graeme Swann urged England to stay grounded. He warned that overconfidence could backfire.
All four legends agree: this series will be close. Both teams are talented. And every session could turn the game.
Predictions
Series Result:
England 2–1. Two games expected to be drawn due to rain or flat pitches.
Top Run-Scorer:
Joe Root or Harry Brook.
Top Wicket-Taker:
Jasprit Bumrah or Chris Woakes.
Breakout Player:
Shoaib Bashir (ENG) or Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND).
Conclusion for India vs England test series
This Test series is more than just a contest. It’s a generational shift. India begin without Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin. England move on from Anderson and Broad. The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy marks a new legacy.
Both teams are young and hungry. Expect thrilling battles, collapses, counterattacks, and moments of brilliance. Every match could shape the next chapter of world Test cricket.
Let the games begin.
