The India vs. England Test match at Headingley, Leeds, on June 21, 2025, witnessed a dramatic turn of events as India collapsed from a commanding position of 430/3 to be all out for 471. This collapse has resulted in an unwanted record for the Indian team. While the innings featured centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, the team's failure to capitalize on the strong foundation has been heavily criticized.
Resuming Day 2 at 395/3, Gill and Pant continued their impressive batting display, initially scoring at a brisk pace. Pant, in particular, showcased aggressive intent, reaching his century with a six and celebrating with acrobatics. He reached his seventh Test century, surpassing MS Dhoni for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. Gill also looked set for a big score, but his dismissal for 147 triggered a collapse. Karun Nair, making a comeback to the Test side after a long absence, fell quickly, and the momentum shifted dramatically.
The English bowlers, led by Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue, seized the opportunity, claiming wickets in quick succession. Stokes finished with 4/66, and Tongue with 4/86. India lost the last seven wickets for a mere 41 runs, a statistic that highlights the severity of the collapse.
This dramatic fall has etched an unfavorable record for India. The score of 430 is now the highest score a team has been on three wickets, only to be bowled out without reaching 500. Also, this is now the lowest all-out total for a team that had three centurions in the innings.
This isn't the first time the Indian batting lineup has crumbled after a promising start. Instances such as the collapse against New Zealand in Bengaluru, where they lost seven wickets for 54 runs, and similar situations against South Africa in Centurion and Australia in Indore, highlight a recurring issue. In fact, in the same venue four years ago, India was dismissed for 78 after being 56/3.
At the end of Day 2, England were 209/3, with Ollie Pope unbeaten on 100. Jasprit Bumrah picked up all three wickets for India but also had a no-ball that gave Harry Brook a reprieve.
India and England have a long history in Test cricket, having played 136 matches. England has won 51, while India has won 35, with 50 draws. In England, however, the home side holds a significant advantage, winning 36 out of 67 Tests. India has won only nine Tests in England.
The current series is particularly important as it marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle for India. The team, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, is aiming to improve their record in England and compete for the WTC title. However, this collapse in the first Test has put them on the back foot.
