IND vs ENG: Who said what in India's camp ahead of 1st Test against England - Watch

Friday - 20/06/2025 03:49

India embarks on a new Test era in England, led by young captain Shubman Gill, following the retirements of veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Despite the inexperience, the team exudes confidence, with senior players like KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja highlighting the squad's balance and potential.

India is set to begin a new chapter in Test cricket as they face England at Headingley this Friday. The team is without seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Under the leadership of newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, the young squad aims to regain dominance in the red-ball format following recent setbacks against New Zealand and Australia.

Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja practice before the Test match

Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja during a nets session at Headingley (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The Indian team is undergoing a significant transition, marked by the recent retirements of batting legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. Ravichandran Ashwin also announced his retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

"It is a new group. We are missing a few senior players, and yeah, it is a young team led by a really young captain," KL Rahul said in a video shared by the BCCI on X.

Shubman Gill, taking over from Rohit Sharma, is now the youngest captain in Indian Test cricket history. Recent losses against New Zealand and Australia prevented India from competing in the World Test Championship final.

"Everyone is so young and it will be relatively easy and exciting to be able to mould this team into what we would want we want in the next 10-15 years of Indian cricket to becomes," Gill commented on leading the young squad.

Shubman’s Big Test Begins! India’s Probable XI & Stokes’ Mind Games | ENG vs IND 1st Test Preview

"As a team, our balance is very good. We will play good cricket," senior player Ravindra Jadeja stated, regarding the team's composition.

Shardul Thakur, who has played four Tests in England, added: "I think it is very exciting to play in this part of the world. Sometimes it is cloudy, and sometimes it is bright sunny, and as a player, you need to make adjustments to your game, whether you are batting or bowling."

"This is a big series, and if we win, it will be a massive achievement," said left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, emphasizing the importance of the series in the World Test Championship cycle.

Arshdeep Singh, receiving his first Test call-up, mentioned: "To start off, here it is said that it is a tough series, if we seal it off well, it will be fun."

"It always pumps you and always want to give your best, and just super excited to play in this England series," expressed all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed in Australia.

WV Raman backs Shubman Gill to fire in England: 'He needs the right support'

"It is a proud feeling to play with such an extraordinary group of talent," added pace bowler Mohammed Siraj.

Prasidh Krishna, the Purple Cap holder from IPL 2025, shared his optimism: "All of us are upbeat, always joking around. If that fun leads to winning a tournament here, it will be great. All of us will be jumping around for sure and maybe come up with a dance for a celebration."

India has not secured a victory at Headingley since 2002, which makes this series opener a particularly challenging endeavor for the young squad.

The Indian squad includes: