Indian cricket is at a historic turning point as the Test team embarks on a new chapter following the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin in 2025. With a challenging five-match Test series against England underway, starting June 20, 2025, at Headingly, Leeds, the team, under the leadership of 25-year-old Shubman Gill, is navigating a significant transition. This article explores the changes, challenges, and opportunities for the Indian Test team as it steps into a new era.
A Changing of the Guard
The Indian Test team has long been defined by its iconic players. Kohli, Sharma, and Ashwin, with their immense contributions, were the backbone of India’s success, including two consecutive Test series wins in Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21) and reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) finals in 2021 and 2023. However, their retirements within months of each other have left big shoes to fill. Kohli, known for his intensity and record-breaking batting, and Sharma, a tactical leader with a calm demeanor, retired from Test cricket in May 2025, while Ashwin stepped away during the Australia tour earlier this year. This marks the end of an era that saw India dominate at home and compete fiercely abroad.
Shubman Gill, a stylish right-handed batter from Punjab, has been appointed Test captain, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. At 25, Gill is one of the youngest to lead India in Tests, signaling the team’s intent to build for the future. His leadership experience with Gujarat Titans in the IPL and a brief stint captaining India in T20Is against Zimbabwe in 2024 have earned him the selectors’ trust. Pant, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, brings aggression and experience, making him a key figure in this transitional phase.
New Faces, New Hopes
The squad for the England tour reflects a blend of youth and experience. B Sai Sudharsan, a left-handed batter from Tamil Nadu, earned his maiden Test call-up after stellar performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. Karun Nair, who last played a Test in 2017, has made a remarkable comeback at 33, thanks to his prolific run-scoring in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. The pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, includes Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, with the latter bringing variety as a left-arm seamer. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar complete a balanced bowling unit.
However, notable omissions include senior pacer Mohammed Shami, ruled out due to fitness concerns, and young batter Sarfaraz Khan, whose inconsistent form abroad led to his exclusion. Abhimanyu Easwaran, despite a strong domestic record, remains a backup opener, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul preferred for the top order.
Challenges Ahead
The England series is a litmus test for this young team. English conditions, with their swing and seam, demand technical precision and mental resilience. Gill, who has a modest Test batting average of 14.66 in England, faces the dual challenge of leading the side and anchoring the batting at No. 4, a position previously held by Kohli. The absence of experienced batters like Kohli and Sharma puts pressure on Jaiswal, Rahul, and Pant to deliver consistently.
The bowling unit, while talented, will miss Shami’s experience. Bumrah, a world-class pacer, will not play all five Tests due to workload management, making it crucial for Siraj and the younger bowlers to step up. The team’s spin attack, led by Jadeja, will also need to adapt to conditions where pace often dominates.
A Vision for the Future
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are focused on long-term growth. Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense approach, has emphasized creating a secure team environment and backing young talent. He believes retirements are a personal choice and has urged the team to move forward without dwelling on the past. Gill, echoing this sentiment, aims to forge a new team identity, prioritizing adaptability and boldness.
The series also marks the start of the 2025-27 WTC cycle, with India aiming to qualify for a third consecutive final. A strong performance in England could set the tone for upcoming home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later in 2025.
Early Signs of Promise
The first Test at Leeds has shown glimpses of the team’s potential. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century and KL Rahul’s gritty contribution led to a solid first-wicket partnership, dispelling fears of a batting collapse without Kohli and Sharma. However, debutant Sai Sudharsan’s duck highlights the challenges new players face in unfamiliar conditions. Gill’s half-century and his calm leadership have drawn praise, with former players like Sachin Tendulkar urging him to make bold decisions.
What This Means for Indian Fans
For Indian fans, this transition is bittersweet. The departure of legends like Kohli, Sharma, and Ashwin is a reminder of the end of a golden era, but it also opens the door for new heroes. Gill, Pant, Jaiswal, and others represent a generation ready to carve their own legacy. Fans will need patience as the team finds its footing, but the depth of talent in Indian cricket—nurtured by a robust domestic system like the Ranji Trophy and IPL—offers hope.
The England series is more than just a contest; it’s a chance for India to redefine its Test cricket identity. As Shubman Gill leads the team out at Headingley, the nation watches with bated breath, eager to see if this young side can rise to the occasion and carry forward India’s proud Test legacy.