India vs England Test Series 2025: Shubman Gill Begins New Era Against Weakened English Bowling
Date: June 19, 2025
Byline: Global Family Sports Desk
The much-anticipated Test series between India and England kicks off at Headingley, Leeds on June 21, 2025. The spotlight is firmly on Shubman Gill, who takes over as India’s new Test captain, marking the start of a new era in Indian cricket.
This is the first time in 14 years that India's playing XI will not feature stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, or Ajinkya Rahane—a generational shift that signals fresh beginnings.
England’s Bowling Concerns: Opportunity for India?
England enter the series with a severely depleted pace attack. With James Anderson retired, and injuries to Mark Wood and Olly Stone, the responsibility falls on relatively inexperienced bowlers:
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Josh Tongue (5 Tests)
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Brydon Carse (3 Tests)
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Shoaib Bashir (offspinner with 16 Tests)
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Chris Woakes, the only seasoned campaigner, boasts 137 wickets at an average of 21.59 in home Tests.
The absence of match-winners like Anderson and Wood gives India a real chance to seize control early in the series.
India’s New Leadership & Line-up
Shubman Gill, at just 25 years and 285 days, becomes India’s fifth-youngest Test captain, after MAK Pataudi, Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, and Ravi Shastri. He inherits a team in transition, but one full of promise.
India Probable XI:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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KL Rahul
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B Sai Sudharsan
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Shubman Gill (C)
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Rishabh Pant (WK)
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Karun Nair
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Shardul Thakur / Nitish Kumar Reddy / Kuldeep Yadav
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Prasidh Krishna
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Mohammed Siraj
The team combines youth with experience, led by Jasprit Bumrah spearheading the pace attack alongside Siraj.
England XI Confirmed
England have announced their playing XI two days ahead:
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Zak Crawley
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Ben Duckett
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Ollie Pope
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Joe Root
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Harry Brook
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Ben Stokes (C)
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Jamie Smith (WK)
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Chris Woakes
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Brydon Carse
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Josh Tongue
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Shoaib Bashir
Notably, Jacob Bethell misses out, while Ben Stokes may be required to bowl more than usual due to the lack of a genuine fifth bowler.
Pitch and Conditions: Advantage to Bowl First
Headingley has been a pace paradise early on, with the lowest first-innings average among all English grounds (27.48). However, it flattens out later, favoring batting. The last four Tests here have seen successful chases above 250, including a 359-run effort.
India might prefer to bowl first, especially with the Leeds weather forecast indicating potential rain interruptions.
Key Stats to Watch
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Gill’s Test batting average is 35.05, but context matters: top-seven batters in his matches average only 32.10.
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Jasprit Bumrah has dismissed Joe Root nine times in Tests — more than any other Indian bowler.
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Since 2018, KL Rahul has scored more runs (597) and centuries (2) in England than any other overseas opener.
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India’s record at Headingley: 2 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw. Famous wins came in 1986 and 2002.
What They Said
“It’s an exciting time for Indian cricket, to be under new leadership. A lot of pressure comes with captaining India, but I wish Gill all the best — though he’s my opposition.”
– Ben Stokes, England captain
Conclusion
The stage is set for a high-stakes battle. India’s transition will be tested against an England side rebuilding its bowling attack. All eyes will be on Shubman Gill’s leadership, and whether this next-gen Indian squad can begin their WTC 2025–27 campaign with a win on English soil.
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