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

Friday - 20/06/2025 03:50

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 commence a fresh chapter in Test cricket, facing England at Headingley on Friday, marked by the absence of seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. A youthful squad, under the leadership of newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, aims to reassert their dominance in the red-ball format following recent stumbles against New Zealand and Australia.

*Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja fine-tuning their skills during a practice session at Headingley.*

The Indian team is navigating a significant transitional phase after the retirements of batting mainstays Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket the previous month. Ravichandran Ashwin also announced his retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

"We're a new group. We miss some senior players, and yes, it's a young team led by a very young captain," KL Rahul noted in a video shared by the BCCI on social media platform X.

Shubman Gill's appointment as Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma, makes him the youngest to ever lead the Indian Test side. Recent losses against New Zealand and Australia prevented India from competing in the World Test Championship final.

"Everyone is so young, making it relatively easy and exciting to mold this team into what we aspire for Indian cricket to become over the next 10-15 years," Gill commented on leading the young team.

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"As a team, our balance is very good. We will play good cricket," veteran player Ravindra Jadeja stated, highlighting his confidence in the team's composition.

Shardul Thakur, bringing the experience of four Tests played in England, remarked, "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 a win would be a massive achievement," left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav emphasized, underlining the series' importance within the World Test Championship cycle.

Arshdeep Singh, receiving his first Test call-up, commented, "From the outset, it's said that this is a tough series. If we seal it off well, it will be fun."

"It always pumps you up, and you always want to give your best. I’m just super excited to play in this England series," expressed all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made a strong impression in Australia.

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"It's 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, conveyed 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, making this series opener a particularly challenging endeavor for the young squad.

The Indian squad includes: