The first Test of the highly anticipated five-match series between India and England begins on June 20th at Headingley, Leeds. This series signifies a new chapter for the Indian team, with Shubman Gill leading the side after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This series also marks the beginning of India’s World Test Championship cycle for 2025-27.
The Indian team will likely feature a combination of young talent and experienced players. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to open the innings, aiming to provide a solid foundation. Sai Sudharsan, fresh off a strong performance in IPL 2025, is likely to make his Test debut at number 3. Captain Shubman Gill is set to bat at number 4, stepping into the role previously held by Virat Kohli. Rishabh Pant will be the wicketkeeper, offering his dynamic batting prowess. Karun Nair adds further batting strength with his ability to score runs. Ravindra Jadeja is expected to play a significant role as an all-rounder. The bowling attack will comprise a balanced mix of pace and spin, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav.
The Headingley pitch typically assists seam bowlers, particularly early in the match, with bounce and movement. The prevailing overcast conditions in Leeds favor swing bowling, posing a test for the Indian batsmen. The ball is expected to swing, challenging the top order’s technique. As the Test progresses, the pitch usually becomes more batting-friendly. Spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja may have a bigger impact later in the game. The weather forecast suggests partly cloudy conditions with the possibility of light rain on Days 2 and 4, which could interrupt play and provide assistance to the bowlers.