Young Captain: Shubman Gill at the Helm

For the first time, 25-year-old Shubman Gill has been appointed India’s Test captain, marking him the 37th to lead India in this format. Accompanying him is Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. This leadership change is a bold step following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Gill’s leadership credentials include guiding Gujarat Titans in the IPL and a successful captaincy record in limited overs. His calm demeanor and tactical mind have earned praise from BCCI selectors for a long-term vision.

Test Series Schedule & The New Trophy

The tour began on June 20, 2025, and runs through August 4. Matches are scheduled at iconic venues:

• Headingley (Leeds)
  
• Edgbaston (Birmingham)
  
• Lord’s (London)
  
• Old Trafford (Manchester)
  
• The Oval (London)
  
  

In 2025, the traditional Pataudi Trophy was replaced by the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, celebrating legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. The winner will also receive a special Pataudi Medal of Excellence.

India’s Squad: Mix of Youth & Experience

The 18-member squad features a blend of new talent and seasoned players:

Batsmen:

• Shubman Gill (C)
  
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
  
• KL Rahul
  
• Sai Sudharsan
  
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
  
• Karun Nair
  
• Dhruv Jurel (wk)
  
  

All-rounders and Wicketkeeper:

• Rishabh Pant (VC/wk)
  
• Ravindra Jadeja
  
• Washington Sundar
  
• Shardul Thakur
  
  

Bowlers:

• Jasprit Bumrah
  
• Mohammed Siraj
  
• Prasidh Krishna
  
• Akash Deep
  
• Arshdeep Singh
  
• Kuldeep Yadav
  
  

Newcomers Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have jumped to the Test squad, while Karun Nair returns after previous appearances. Captain Gill dropped hints on the final XI just before the 4th Test.

Series Update & Injury News

After a promising start at Headingley, India trails 1–2. The high-scoring opening Test saw Gill make a touching century on debut as captain. However, injuries have affected the bowling lineup:

• Akash Deep is ruled out with a groin injury.
  
• Fast-bowler Anshul Kamboj is likely to debut in the fourth Test.
  
• India’s fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar were previously ruled out from the tour.
  
• Selection hinges on pitching conditions, with a choice between Kamboj or Prasidh Krishna.
  

Gill has defended teammate Karun Nair after public debate over his form.

Shubman Gill Under Fire—and Support

Gill’s leadership has been both praised and tested. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed support, noting that opposition sledging can unsettle Gill—yet remains hopeful about his comeback.

In a fiery press conference, Gill countered criticism of England’s tactics and shared details on the planned XI for Old Trafford.

England’s Strategy & Context

England, led by Ben Stokes and coached by Brendon McCullum, lead the series 2–1. They’re looking for their first Test series win against India in seven years.

Players such as James Anderson, Joe Root, and Chris Woakes are accompanied by a spin-prolific bench. England modified their XI with the replacement of Jofra Archer by Liam Dawson, and also by emphasizing psychological measures to stay ahead.

What Comes Next?

4th Test at Old Trafford (July 23–27) will decide whether England can seal the series or not, or whether India can pull themselves back. Both teams are now in a vulnerable period due to fitness concerns and tactical changes. Gill must lead India to a win to make the series into a decider in the last Test.

Final Thoughts

England hosting India in the 2025 India Tour is happening at a very critical turn of events. It is the future with new management, new talents and new WTC interests. Fans are following every step taken by Gill as he has to cope with the intensity of the English game and the legends who have played earlier.

Wait until the scores, analysis, and perhaps one of the crucially significant tours in the history of Indian Test cricket.

Stay with us for more.

FAQs

Q1. Who is India’s captain on this tour?
Ans- Shubman Gill is making his debut as the youngest Test captain of Team India.

Q2. What is the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy?
Ans- This new trophy, which took over in 2025, had replaced the Pataudi Trophy between India and England Test series, named after legends Anderson and Tendulkar.

Q3. What is the current series score?
Ans- England hold a 2–1 lead in the five-match series after winning the third Test.

Q4. Has India made any recent squad changes?
Ans- Yes, Anshul Kamboj will probably make his debut in the fourth Test in place of injured Akash Deep.