India is all set to battle England on Friday in the high-voltage 2025 Test series match. The game will begin at 3:30 PM IST in Headingley, Leeds. The much-awaited clash marks the beginning for both teams in the new World Test Championship cycle.
There is no doubt that the absence of cricketing giants such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has hit the fans hard. All eyes have now turned on skipper Shubhman Gill and his deputy Rishabh Pant, who will be watched closely for every decision on the field today.
IND vs ENG Test Match Day 1: Head-to-head record
India and England have faced off in 136 Test matches to date. The hosts boast a mighty 51-35 head-to-head record. The remaining 50 matches have ended in draws. Among top performers, Sachin Tendulkar has been India’s highest run-getter in these fixtures with 2,535 runs, while Ravichandran Ashwin leads the wicket tally with 114 wickets. Joe Root (2846) and James Anderson (149) possess the most runs and wickets, respectively, for England.
Challenges for Shubhman Gill
Even though a very solid roadmap might be in place for Gill, it is never easy to start leading a high-profile team such as India when there is still some scrutiny and doubt around the skipper’s Test batting ability. His aide, the dynamic wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, has also come under intense scrutiny for his tendency to throw his wicket away, drawing mixed reactions from both fans and former cricketers, questioning his long-term decision-making abilities under pressure. Both players now face the dual challenge of leading a transitional side and proving their readiness, not just as players but as dependable leaders in the Test format.
Though Gill’s Test debut during the 2020–21 Australia series was remarkable, his recent performance has raised several concerns. Over his last 11 overseas Tests outside Asia and the Caribbean, he has averaged just 25.7 without scoring a hundred. In his previous series, Gill missed one game through injury and was removed from the XI in another. On difficult pitches in Adelaide and Sydney, his scores only read 31, 28, 20, and 13. Those numbers will no doubt weigh on him, especially as this is his first full WTC assignment overseas as a leading figure.
For a player widely regarded as India’s next big batsman, such a stretch without impactful scores can be disappointing. Gill is aware that this tour is a proving ground where expectations are firmly placed on him. The comparison with Kohli isn’t accidental—the former captain’s mental fortitude and presence in tough moments were hallmarks of his legacy. That edge in body language and competitive intent is something many still feel is missing from Gill’s current Test match persona, and it could be critical in close sessions away from home.
Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar also weighed in with advice for Pant, urging the left-hander to embrace adaptability. While praising Pant’s instincts, Tendulkar emphasised that there will be times when restraint, not aggression, is the better choice. He advised Pant to continue trusting himself nine out of ten times but to balance that flair with a deeper awareness of what the match demands. His comments underline the broader concern—that talent alone may not be enough if not paired with a more mature, context-driven approach to innings-building.
England’s home turf advantage
England, meanwhile, will not take India’s new setup lightly. Led by the tactically sharp Ben Stokes, they’re fully aware of India’s transitional moment but will look to push early advantage with their experienced top order. With seasoned batsmen such as Joe Root and Harry Brook anchoring their lineup, England’s batting poses a serious test. With Bumrah only available for three Tests, England’s batting lineup can surely present a tough challenge to Gill’s pre-game talk of going all out to take 20 wickets.
The hosts are expected to apply pressure from the outset, targeting India’s fielding intensity and strategic agility. For Gill and Pant, this translates into increased on-field responsibilities, ranging from being quick to read momentum shifts in the game and adjusting the squad morale accordingly. This kind of proactive leadership becomes even more vital when working with a relatively fresh squad, where every strategic misstep can be costly. In conditions that can turn quickly, tactical awareness will likely determine the outcome more than pure skill alone.
Despite these concerns, there’s a clear opportunity for India to exploit gaps in England’s bowling resources. With pacers like Mark Wood and Olly Stone unavailable due to injury, and only Chris Woakes bringing significant Test experience into the Leeds match, India’s batting has room to counterattack. India’s bowling attack, too, if it performs cohesively, could equal or outclass England’s. The battle will likely boil down to execution under pressure, especially in crunch moments across sessions.
Beyond all else, the key lies in conviction and teamwork. Gill must back his pre-match intent with firm leadership and strategic clarity. Pant, as vice-captain, will be crucial in supporting this mindset on all five days. The duo must rise beyond talent and deliver consistency, energy, and focus. With a coaching team still finding its rhythm with this new leadership core, much will depend on the instinctive synergy and clarity that Gill and Pant can bring to the Test arena.