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As the summer of 2025 unfolds, cricket fans are set for an electrifying contest as India tours England for a five-match Test series. This series is especially significant, marking the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams. With Shubman Gill stepping into the role of India’s Test captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, the Indian squad enters a new era. The absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli adds further intrigue, making every selection and strategy a talking point as the teams gear up for the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds, starting June 20, 2025.
Dodda Ganesh’s XI for the first Test: A blend of youth, experience, and depth
Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh has stirred discussion with his handpicked India XI for the first Test at Leeds. Taking through X (formerly Twitter), Ganesh proposed a lineup that emphasizes both batting depth and seam bowling options:
“My playing XI for the first test at Leeds: KL Rahul, Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Gill, Karun Nair, Pant (WK), Jadeja, Thakur, Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh. Batting till no 8; also gives you four genuine seam options. This is probably the best XI to start with #ENGvIND.”
Ganesh’s XI is notable for several reasons. At the top, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal provide a left-right opening combination, while Sai Sudharsan’s inclusion at No. 3 signals a bold move to inject fresh talent. Gill, the newly appointed captain, anchors the middle order alongside Karun Nair, whose recall would surprise many. Pant, returning as wicketkeeper and vice-captain, adds firepower and leadership.
Ravindra Jadeja’s presence at No. 7 ensures all-round stability, while Shardul Thakur at No. 8 extends the batting depth and offers seam-bowling versatility. The pace attack—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna—gives India four genuine seam options, a strategic nod to English conditions. This blend of youth, experience, and all-round ability reflects Ganesh’s intent to balance resilience and aggression in unfamiliar territory.
My playing XI for the first test at Leeds:
KL Rahul
Jaiswal
Sai Sudharsan
Gill
Karun Nair
Pant (WK)
Jadeja
Thakur
Bumrah
Siraj
PrasidhBatting till no 8; also gives you four genuine seam options. This is probably the best XI to start with #ENGvIND
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) June 17, 2025
A summer of classic rivalry
The 2025 India-England Test series promises a classic contest across iconic English venues. The action begins at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20–24, setting the stage for a high-stakes summer. The second Test moves to Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2–6), followed by Lord’s, London (July 10–14), Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23–27), and the finale at Kennington Oval, London (July 31–August 4).
This series is not only a fresh chapter for both teams but also a crucial opening salvo in the new World Test Championship cycle. With new leadership, fresh faces, and high expectations, the stage is set for a riveting contest that will test India’s mettle and England’s resolve throughout a memorable English summer.
