India vs England Test Series 2025

India vs England Test Series 2025: Preview, Squads, and Key Battles

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India vs England Test Series 2025 begins June 20

The India vs England Test Series 2025 is set to ignite cricket fever as Shubman Gill’s Indian team landed in the UK on June 7, 2025, for a thrilling five-match Test series, part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. Departing from India on June 13, 2025, the squad arrived amidst high anticipation, ready to take on England in their backyard. With India’s last Test series win in England dating back to 2007, this tour promises intense battles, new faces, and iconic venues. This blog dives into the series details, predicted playing XIs, newcomers, and what to expect from this blockbuster India vs England Test Series 2025.

Introduction to the India vs England Test Series 2025

The India vs England Test Series 2025 marks a new chapter for Indian cricket, with Shubman Gill leading a revamped squad following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India’s 4-1 home victory over England in 2024 showcased their dominance, but English conditions, known for swing and seam, will test this young side. The series, starting June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, is a crucial step in the new World Test Championship cycle, with both teams vying for early points. India’s preparation included two unofficial Tests against England Lions, where players like Karun Nair and KL Rahul shone, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

Series Schedule and Venues

The India vs England Test Series 2025 spans five Tests across iconic English grounds, each known for its unique challenges. The schedule is as follows:

  • 1st Test: June 20–24, 2025, Headingley, Leeds
  • 2nd Test: July 2–6, 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
  • 3rd Test: July 10–14, 2025, Lord’s, London
  • 4th Test: July 23–27, 2025, Old Trafford, Manchester
  • 5th Test: July 31–August 4, 2025, The Oval, London

These venues favor England’s pace attack, with Headingley and Old Trafford offering swing and bounce, while Lord’s and The Oval test batsmen’s technique. India’s ability to adapt to these conditions will be critical in the India vs England Test Series 2025.

Indian Squad and Newcomers

The 18-member Indian squad, announced by the BCCI on May 24, 2025, blends youth and experience. Shubman Gill captains the side, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The squad features newcomers Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, alongside returning players Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur. Notably absent are Mohammed Shami, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli (retired).

Full Squad:

  • Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

Key Newcomers:

  • Sai Sudharsan: The 23-year-old left-hander from Tamil Nadu earned his maiden Test call-up after scoring over 500 runs in IPL 2025 and excelling in domestic cricket. His disciplined technique makes him a strong contender for the No. 4 spot.
  • Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer’s swing bowling adds variety to India’s pace attack, ideal for English conditions. His IPL 2025 performances secured his debut call-up.
  • Karun Nair: Returning after seven years, Nair’s 204 in the first unofficial Test against England Lions in Canterbury (May 30–June 2, 2025) strengthens his case for the No. 6 spot.
  • Shardul Thakur: The all-rounder’s experience and lower-order batting provide depth, especially with Jasprit Bumrah’s limited participation.

Predicted Indian Playing XI for the 1st Test

Based on form in the India A tour and Headingley’s pace-friendly conditions, here’s India’s likely playing XI for the first Test of the India vs England Test Series 2025:

  1. Yashasvi Jaiswal – Aggressive opener, scored 64 in the second innings of the first unofficial Test.
  2. KL Rahul – Experienced opener, fresh off a century in the second unofficial Test in Northampton (June 6–9, 2025).
  3. Shubman Gill (c) – Captain and No. 3 batsman, pivotal for stability.
  4. Sai Sudharsan – Debutant, likely at No. 4, with a solid first-class record.
  5. Rishabh Pant (vc & wk) – Aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman, key against England’s pace attack.
  6. Karun Nair – In-form batsman, ideal for No. 6 after his 204 in Canterbury.
  7. Ravindra Jadeja – Spin-bowling all-rounder, provides balance.
  8. Nitish Kumar Reddy – Pace-bowling all-rounder, scored 52* in the first unofficial Test.
  9. Jasprit Bumrah – Pace spearhead, likely to play despite workload concerns.
  10. Mohammed Siraj – Consistent seamer, suited for swing conditions.
  11. Arshdeep Singh – Left-arm pacer, debutant adding swing variation.

Reserves: Dhruv Jurel, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav.

Rationale:

  • Top Order: Jaiswal and Rahul’s form in the India A tour ensures a strong start, with Gill anchoring at No. 3.
  • Middle Order: Sudharsan and Nair fill the void left by Kohli, while Pant’s aggression counters England’s bowlers.
  • Bowling: Bumrah, Siraj, and Arshdeep form a potent pace trio, with Jadeja and Reddy adding depth. Kuldeep may replace Reddy if spin is needed later in the series.

England Squad and Predicted Playing XI

England’s squad for the India vs England Test Series 2025 is yet to be fully confirmed, but key players like Ben Stokes (c), Joe Root, and Chris Woakes are expected to feature, with Woakes returning from an ankle injury. The England Lions’ performances in the unofficial Tests provide clues about potential inclusions, such as Dan Mousley and Tom Haines.

Predicted England Playing XI:

  1. Zak Crawley – Aggressive opener, strong at home.
  2. Ben Duckett – Left-hander, excels against spin.
  3. Ollie Pope – No. 3 batsman, consistent in English conditions.
  4. Joe Root – England’s batting mainstay, crucial against India’s spinners.
  5. Ben Stokes (c) – All-rounder, leads England’s “Bazball” approach.
  6. Harry Brook – Dynamic middle-order batsman.
  7. Jonny Bairstow (wk) – Wicketkeeper-batsman, adds aggression.
  8. Chris Woakes – Pace-bowling all-rounder, lethal in England.
  9. Mark Wood – Express pacer, brings raw speed.
  10. Jack Leach – Lead spinner, effective at Lord’s and The Oval.
  11. James Anderson – Veteran seamer, likely for his final series.

Reserves: Dan Mousley, Tom Haines, Rehan Ahmed, Josh Tongue.

Rationale:

  • Batting: England’s top order, with Root and Stokes, is tailored for aggressive “Bazball” cricket, aiming to dominate India’s bowlers.
  • Bowling: Woakes and Anderson exploit swing, while Wood’s pace and Leach’s spin provide variety.

Key Battles to Watch in the India vs England Test Series 2025

  1. Jasprit Bumrah vs Joe Root: Bumrah’s pace and reverse swing will challenge Root’s technique, especially at Headingley and Old Trafford.
  2. Yashasvi Jaiswal vs James Anderson: Jaiswal’s aggressive batting faces Anderson’s swing mastery, a classic youth vs experience duel.
  3. Ben Stokes vs Ravindra Jadeja: Stokes’ all-round prowess meets Jadeja’s spin and batting, crucial for middle-order stability.
  4. Sai Sudharsan vs Chris Woakes: The debutant’s technique will be tested by Woakes’ swing in English conditions.
  5. Rishabh Pant vs Mark Wood: Pant’s counter-attacking style against Wood’s raw pace could define key sessions.

India’s Preparation: India A Tour of England 2025

India A’s tour, starting May 30, 2025, provided valuable match practice. The first unofficial Test in Canterbury (May 30–June 2) ended in a draw, with Karun Nair’s 204 and Dhruv Jurel’s 94 leading India A to 557. Yashasvi Jaiswal (64) and Nitish Reddy (52*) also impressed in the second innings. In the second unofficial Test in Northampton (June 6–9), KL Rahul’s century and India A’s 319/7 on Day 1 showcased their readiness. These matches helped players adapt to English conditions ahead of the India vs England Test Series 2025.

Challenges and Expectations

India faces challenges in the India vs England Test Series 2025, including:

  • Swing Conditions: English pitches favor seamers, testing India’s young batsmen like Jaiswal and Sudharsan.
  • Bumrah’s Workload: With Bumrah likely to play only 3–4 Tests, Siraj and Arshdeep must lead the pace attack.
  • Leadership Transition: Gill’s captaincy will be under scrutiny, especially without Kohli and Sharma.
  • England’s “Bazball”: England’s aggressive batting, led by Stokes and Root, will challenge India’s bowlers.

However, India’s recent successes, including a 4-1 home win in 2024 and a 2-2 draw in England in 2021, provide confidence. The India vs England Test Series 2025 is an opportunity for Gill’s side to make history.

Why This Series Matters

The India vs England Test Series 2025 is more than a bilateral contest; it’s a defining moment in the World Test Championship. A series win could set the tone for India’s campaign, while England aims to leverage home advantage. With new talents like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, and veterans like Bumrah and Jadeja, India is poised for a competitive series. England’s experienced lineup, backed by “Bazball,” ensures a clash of contrasting styles.

Conclusion

As the India vs England Test Series 2025 kicks off on June 20, 2025, fans can expect a gripping contest between two cricketing giants. Shubman Gill’s young Indian side, bolstered by newcomers Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, faces a formidable England team led by Ben Stokes. With iconic venues, intense battles, and World Test Championship points at stake, this series is a must-watch.

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