The highly anticipated first Test between India and England is set to commence at Headingley, Leeds, marking the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2025-27. This series holds immense significance for both teams as they aim for a strong start to their WTC campaign. However, the Indian squad is undergoing a significant transition, with Shubman Gill stepping up as captain in the absence of veteran players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have retired from Test cricket.

England has already announced their playing XI, opting for continuity and pace. Their top order, consisting of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope, is in excellent form, having scored centuries in their recent Test match against Zimbabwe. The inclusion of Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, returning from injuries, adds further firepower to their lineup. Jamie Smith will take the gloves as the wicketkeeper, while Shoaib Bashir will be the sole specialist spinner.

As for India, the composition of the playing XI remains uncertain, with several key positions up for grabs. The opening pair is likely to consist of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who have previously opened together. However, the number 3 position is a point of contention, with Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan being the frontrunners. Nair, who is making a comeback to the Test squad after a long absence, has impressed with a double century against the England Lions. Sudharsan, on the other hand, is a promising young talent.

Shubman Gill will take Virat Kohli's spot at number four, while Rishabh Pant is confirmed to bat at number five. The all-rounder options include Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur. There is also a possibility of including Nitish Reddy, who has showcased his all-round abilities in training sessions. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Mohammed Siraj and either Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh.

Several cricket experts and analysts have shared their predicted XIs for the Indian team. Ajinkya Rahane's predicted XI includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.

Sachin Tendulkar has emphasized the importance of giving Shubman Gill adequate time and support to succeed as captain. He advised Gill to focus on his own planning and the team's strategy, without being swayed by external opinions. KL Rahul acknowledged the changing face of Indian Test cricket with the absence of Kohli and Rohit, emphasizing the need to give people space.

The weather in Leeds could also play a significant role in the match. Overcast conditions and rain are expected on some days, which could favor the fast bowlers. This might prompt Shubman Gill to opt for four pacers in the playing XI.

The series is named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, honoring two of cricket's greatest icons, James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.