
India vs England Test Series 2025
India vs England Test Series 2025 : On June 20, 2025, cricket fans witnessed the dawn of a new era as the much-awaited India vs England Test Series 2025 commenced at Headingley, Leeds. Not only did this match mark the start of a five-Test battle, but it also inaugurated the newly minted Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, replacing the traditional Pataudi Trophy.
The spotlight was on Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time in Tests, and Ben Stokes, captaining an England side in transition. With legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma having stepped away from Test cricket, a fresh generation stepped onto the stage to write their own history.
Context: A Fierce Historical Rivalry India vs England
India and England share a long-standing Test rivalry dating back to 1932. Over decades, the competition has evolved through iconic battles – be it Lord’s 2014, Chennai 2021, or Oval 2021. The 2025 series holds even more weight as part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
The series consists of five Tests across England at:
- Headingley, Leeds
- Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Lord’s, London
- Old Trafford, Manchester
- The Oval, London
Both sides are gunning not only for glory but vital WTC points, making every match high-stakes.

Day 1 at Headingley: India’s Batting Brilliance
Toss and Decision
England won the toss and elected to bowl first, banking on the early morning English swing. Critics, however, questioned this decision as the pitch showed signs of flattening out under sunshine.
India’s Commanding Start
India’s opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill came out with purpose. Jaiswal, known for his aggressive style, neutralized the English pacers with remarkable ease.
- Jaiswal’s Century – 101 off 123 balls (15 fours, 2 sixes)
- Gill’s Captaincy Debut Century – 127* off 182 balls (16 fours)
- Rishabh Pant added an unbeaten 65* off 78 balls before stumps
India ended Day 1 at 359/3, asserting dominance and silencing the Headingley crowd.
Key Highlights from Day One
1. Shubman Gill’s Historic Debut as Test Captain
In his very first match as India’s Test captain, Gill joined an elite club by scoring a century on debut as captain, matching Virat Kohli’s 2014 feat.
His composure, footwork, and off-side play drew comparisons to Rahul Dravid.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Controlled Aggression
Jaiswal, a breakout star since 2023, showed why he’s India’s future. His attacking play forced England to spread the field early, giving Gill time to settle.
He scored a brisk century and provided the launchpad India needed.
3. England’s Struggles with the Ball
Despite favorable conditions early on, the English pacers—Matthew Potts, Chris Woakes, and Brydon Carse—failed to maintain consistency. The standout was Shoaib Bashir, the young off-spinner, who showed promise on a flat deck.
England also conceded a rare 5-run penalty after a ball struck Root’s helmet placed on the ground — a bizarre moment that added to their misery.

India’s Squad Analysis
- Top Order: Gill, Jaiswal, and debutant Sai Sudharsan (who was out for a duck)
- Middle Order: Pant, Iyer, and Jadeja
- Pace Attack: Bumrah, Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar
- Spin Duo: Jadeja and Ashwin
India’s team selection emphasized youth with experience, a bold move that paid off handsomely on Day 1.
England’s Squad Analysis
- Batting Core: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow
- Bowling Attack: Woakes, Carse, Potts, and Bashir
- Keeper: Ben Foakes
The absence of James Anderson and Ollie Robinson raised eyebrows. Stokes’s gamble on youth could be a long-term move, but Day 1 results were disappointing.
Match Strategy & Tactical Insights India vs England
India’s Batting Plan
India’s batters showed intent from ball one:
- Attacking early against the new ball
- Leaving deliveries outside off smartly
- Using soft hands to counter swing
- Targeting Bashir after settling in
England’s Bowling Plan
Stokes aimed to swing the ball early but lacked support. Field placements were conservative, and short-ball tactics against Jaiswal and Pant failed.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
- Harsha Bhogle: “Shubman Gill has the makings of a long-term Indian captain.”
- Nasser Hussain: “England’s decision to bowl first backfired badly.”
- Wasim Jaffer: “Vintage India performance. Calm, classy, and clinical.”
Social media exploded with hashtags:
- #GillCentury
- #JaiswalShow
- #IndiaVsEngland2025
- #AndersonTendulkarTrophy

Fan Buzz and Cultural Impact
The Indian diaspora in the UK showed massive support. Over 20,000 fans gathered at Headingley. Indian flags, dhols, and chants of “Jeetega bhai jeetega India jeetega” created a festive Test atmosphere.
In India, watch parties across colleges and cafes recreated World Cup vibes. The return of Rishabh Pant from injury further boosted fan enthusiasm.
Looking Ahead: The Road Through the Series
Remaining Fixtures:
- 2nd Test – Edgbaston
- 3rd Test – Lord’s
- 4th Test – Old Trafford
- 5th Test – The Oval
India’s Focus Areas
- Maintaining batting consistency
- Resting and rotating bowlers
- Getting runs from middle order
England’s Fix List
- Reassess bowling strategy
- Bring in experienced pacers
- Top-order resilience needed
Final Thoughts of India vs England: Cricket’s Greatest Rivalry Gets Bigger
The India vs England Test Series 2025 promises to be a defining chapter in modern cricket. With Gill’s emergence, Jaiswal’s confidence, and Pant’s flair, India looks well-set to dominate. But England, wounded and proud, won’t go down without a fight.
As the series progresses, fans can expect a rich tapestry of stories—turning pitches, reverse swing, late collapses, and magical moments that only India vs England can provide.
Stay tuned. The battle has just begun.