Team India has arrived in England for the highly anticipated five-match Test series, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket. The squad, led by newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill, touched down in the UK on Saturday, brimming with smiles and carrying suitcases full of dreams as they prepare for the challenging series. This tour also signifies the start of India's campaign in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a heartwarming video on its social media platforms, capturing the team's arrival at Heathrow Airport. The footage reveals a relaxed yet focused Indian squad, with laughter and light-hearted banter echoing as they gear up for the high-profile series. Jasprit Bumrah, in a light moment, was heard teasing Shubman Gill for wearing sunglasses at night. This camaraderie offers fans a glimpse into the team's chemistry as it transitions into a new leadership phase. Sai Sudharsan, a newcomer to the Test squad, also expressed his excitement, saying, "Welcome to the UK," summing up the mood of the young team.
This series marks a significant transition for the Indian team, following the recent retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. Shubman Gill steps into the captain's role, shouldering the responsibility of leading a relatively new-look side. Rishabh Pant has been named as the vice-captain. While the absence of Sharma and Kohli will undoubtedly be felt, Gill exuded confidence in the team's depth and experience. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with the series but emphasized that it wasn't amplified due to the absence of the experienced duo. Before departing India, Gill spoke about the challenges of playing without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He said that it is very difficult to fill the space left by Rohit and Virat, but the team has a lot of experience and a good batting and bowling combination.
The five-Test series is scheduled to be played across iconic venues in England between June and August 2025. The first Test will commence on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. Edgbaston in Birmingham will host the second Test, starting on July 2. The third Test is slated for Lord's Cricket Ground in London, beginning on July 10. The series will then move to Old Trafford in Manchester for the fourth Test, commencing on July 23, and conclude at The Oval in London with the fifth Test, starting on August 4. This series will be contested for the newly named Tendulkar–Anderson Trophy, honouring two legends of the game.
Several Indian players had already arrived in England prior to the main squad, participating in a warm-up series for India A against the England Lions. This provided crucial acclimatization and match practice ahead of the Test series. The second unofficial Test between India A and the England Lions began on June 6 in Northampton.
England, having faced a 4-1 defeat in India earlier in the year, has announced a revamped squad for the first Test at Headingley. Veteran pacer James Anderson has retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Ollie Robinson have been omitted, signaling a strategic shift for the English side as well.
With the first Test just around the corner, both India and England are eager to set the tone for the new WTC cycle. India aims to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007. The team management is yet to finalize the batting order, with a decision pending on who will partner Shubman Gill at the top, whether it be Yashasvi Jaiswal or Abhimanyu Easwaran. The upcoming practice match in London will be crucial in determining the final composition of the playing XI.
