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Team India are all set to embark on a high-octane five-match Test series in England, beginning June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. This series marks the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket as Shubman Gill steps into the role of Test captain, with Rishabh Pant appointed as his deputy. The leadership shuffle comes in the wake of Rohit Sharma‘s recent retirement from Test cricket, which was closely followed by Virat Kohli‘s own farewell from the longest format.
Both Rohit and Kohli leave behind a massive legacy, and their absence will be deeply felt in the upcoming series. Their experience in challenging overseas conditions has been instrumental in India’s red-ball success over the years. Now, the baton has been passed to the younger generation, and all eyes are on Gill and Pant to lead India through this critical World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Rishabh Pant outlines his strategy ahead of England assignment
Pant, who will serve as the vice-captain for the first time in Test cricket, has revealed his mental blueprint for the upcoming England series. Following the conclusion of his IPL 2025 campaign, Pant stressed the importance of mental clarity and taking a short break before diving into preparations for the red-ball challenge. Pant’s emphasis on a mental reset highlights his maturity and understanding of the demanding nature of Test cricket, especially in English conditions that are known to test technique, patience, and temperament.
“There’ll be a lot of areas where we’ll be talking and looking to improve, but right now, the season has just ended, and I want to switch off for a few days. Then the England series is coming up, and I’ll prepare for that in a good frame of mind,” said Pant after Lucknow Super Giants’ final match of the IPL 2025.
Notably, despite LSG’s disappointing IPL campaign—ending with a six-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pant walked away with his head held high. After a lean patch with the bat early in the season, he finished with a sensational unbeaten 118 off 61 balls, signaling a strong return to form.
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High hopes as young leadership duo prepares for litmus test
With Gill at the helm and Pant as his right-hand man, Indian cricket is entering a bold new phase. While both players have shown flashes of brilliance in Test cricket, leading a five-match series in England will be their toughest challenge yet. The expectations are enormous—not just to fill the void left by stalwarts Rohit and Kohli—but to carve out their own legacy.
The team is likely to feature a blend of youth and experience, and how Gill and Pant manage the troops in difficult situations will go a long way in determining the series outcome. As June 20 approaches, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see if this new-look Indian side can script another memorable chapter in their storied Test history.
Also READ: 11 players who missed out on India’s 2025 England tour squad after featuring in 2021
