KKN Gurugram Desk | The much-anticipated India vs England Test Series is set to begin on June 20, 2025. The series, which consists of five Test matches, is an essential part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. This series is particularly crucial as it marks the beginning of the third cycle of the World Test Championship, and each match will be pivotal for both teams in securing points for the long road to the finals.

Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, who has been appointed as the captain in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India is geared up for an exciting challenge against England. While many senior players will not be part of the squad, young talent will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a challenging environment. The series will be crucial for India to establish their dominance in the Test format and gain an advantage in the World Test Championship rankings.

Key Details: Shubman Gill’s First Test Series as Captain

The India vs England Test Series will be an exciting prospect for cricket fans, as it marks Shubman Gill’s first Test series as captain. While Gill has already led the Indian team in T20Is, this will be his first major test as a captain in Test cricket. Leading the team in England against a strong opponent like England will undoubtedly come with its challenges, especially given the challenging English conditions.

Shubman Gill will not only have to showcase his leadership skills but also prove himself as a batsman in tough conditions. As a young captain, the responsibility of guiding a team with a mix of new faces and experienced players will be immense. India’s bowling department, featuring seasoned players like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, will be key to the team’s success in this high-stakes series. Meanwhile, the younger batters such as Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Nitish Reddy will also be looking to make an impact in their first Test appearances in England.

Complete Schedule of the India vs England Test Series 2025

Here is the full schedule for the India vs England Test Series 2025, along with the match timings:

1. First Test Match
   Dates: June 20 – June 24, 2025
   Venue: Headingley, Leeds
   Time: 3:30 PM IST

2. Second Test Match
   Dates: June 28 – July 2, 2025
   Venue: Lord’s, London
   Time: 3:30 PM IST

3. Third Test Match
   Dates: July 6 – July 10, 2025
   Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
   Time: 3:30 PM IST

4. Fourth Test Match
   Dates: July 18 – July 22, 2025
   Venue: The Oval, London
   Time: 3:30 PM IST

5. Fifth Test Match
   Dates: July 31 – August 4, 2025
   Venue: Manchester
   Time: 3:30 PM IST

All the matches are scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM IST, ensuring that Indian cricket fans will be able to catch all the action in the afternoon. Each match will provide exciting moments for fans, and the players will be under immense pressure to perform.

Significance of the India vs England Test Series in the World Test Championship

The India vs England Test Series is crucial as it is a part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The outcome of this series will impact both teams’ standings in the championship, which will ultimately determine who reaches the final. Given that India has already established itself as one of the top Test teams in the world, this series provides them with the opportunity to maintain their position and build momentum for future series.

The competition against England in their home conditions will test India’s batting strength, particularly in challenging conditions such as swing and seam-friendly pitches. On the other hand, England will look to capitalize on their home advantage and aim to secure crucial points against India, a team they are always eager to compete with.

What to Expect from India’s Squad in the Series

With key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli missing, the Indian team will have several new faces taking up the challenge. Players like Shubman Gill, who has shown great promise as a batter, and Rishabh Pant, who will be vice-captain, are expected to take on pivotal roles during the series.

The bowling attack, featuring the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, will be tasked with leading India’s charge. Jadeja and Washington Sundar will also be crucial in providing spin options in the English conditions, which are often challenging for Indian spinners. The mix of experience and youth will make this series an exciting contest.

Challenges for Shubman Gill and the Team

While Shubman Gill has proven himself as a reliable batsman in various formats, his role as a captain will be under close scrutiny, especially on the challenging pitches of England. Leading a team in foreign conditions comes with added challenges, and Gill’s leadership and decision-making will be crucial. As a young captain, he will need to motivate his players and manage pressure situations effectively, especially when dealing with England’s strong team in their home conditions.

India’s ability to handle pressure situations, especially in tight matches, will be crucial. The team’s performances in the early sessions of the match will determine how they tackle the rest of the contest. With the series being part of the World Test Championship, every run, every wicket, and every session will carry significant weight in determining the outcome.

Key Players to Watch Out For in the India vs England Test Series

1. Shubman Gill – As the new captain, Gill’s leadership and batting will be under the spotlight. His ability to score runs consistently in English conditions will play a major role in India’s success.

2. Rishabh Pant – As the vice-captain, Pant’s presence behind the stumps and his aggressive batting will be critical for India’s performance in the middle order.

3. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj – India’s premier fast bowlers will need to exploit the English conditions effectively. Their ability to swing the ball and take early wickets will be a key factor in India’s chances of winning the series.

4. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar – Both will play pivotal roles in the spin department, especially on pitches that favor spinners. Their contributions with the ball will be essential to India’s success.

How to Watch the India vs England Test Series

The India vs England Test Series will be available to watch on major sports channels in India, including Star Sports Network. Indian fans can catch all the action live starting at 3:30 PM IST. Digital platforms like Disney+ Hotstar will also stream the matches live, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The upcoming India vs England Test Series is one of the most awaited cricket events of the year. With Shubman Gill leading India and new faces joining the squad, the series promises to be filled with intense competition and cricketing action. England, with their home advantage, will be eager to challenge India’s strong team, and every match will be critical for both teams in the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

Fans of Indian cricket can look forward to a thrilling contest with plenty of excitement and drama, as the best players from both teams compete for vital points in the Test format. This series will not only test India’s young captain but also showcase the future of Indian cricket.