A new era in Indian Test cricket has officially begun as Shubman Gill-led Team India landed in London on Saturday, ahead of their five-match Test series against England, set to kick off on June 20. This series marks India’s first outing in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the team’s arrival with a video on social media, captioned: “Touchdown UK. Team India has arrived for the five-match Test series against England.”
The mood among players appeared upbeat and focused, with Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and skipper Gill seen smiling and relaxed as they embarked on this significant tour.
This will be India’s first Test series in the post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era, following the veteran duo’s retirement from the longest format last month. Addressing the challenge, Captain Shubman Gill acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence in the team’s depth and readiness.
“There’s always pressure when you start a new series or tour, but not any added pressure because of their absence,” Gill said in a pre-departure press conference in Mumbai. “Rohit and Virat are legends, and it’s tough to replace them. But we have a balanced and experienced group. Our batting and bowling combinations are solid.”
Gill, 24, also opened up about the emotional moment when he was informed of his appointment as captain. “It was pretty overwhelming initially. It’s a huge responsibility and an incredible opportunity.
While the batting order is yet to be finalised, Gill confirmed that the team management would use the upcoming practice match in London to assess options. With Rohit Sharma no longer opening, the decision on who partners Gill—whether it’s Yashasvi Jaiswal or uncapped Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran—is still pending.
India’s last Test series win on English soil came in 2007. With a young, ambitious squad and a fresh leadership dynamic, this campaign presents a significant opportunity to script history.
— IANS
