England veteran batter Joe Root is the fifth-highest run-scorer in Tests. With over 13,000 (13,006) runs to his name, he needs another 372 more to surpass the second-ranked Ponting (13,378) and cut the gap with the table topper and batting God, Sachin Tendulkar (15,921). Though he stands tall among the fab-four of modern-day cricket (including Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson) for the number of runs scored, he could push himself into the conversation for the greatest Test batters of all time should he surpass the three batters in line - Rahul Dravid (4), Jacques Kallis (3) and Ponting (2).<h2>Here is the list of batters with the most Test runs – &nbsp;</h2><ul><li>Sachin Tendulkar (India) - 15,921</li><li>Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 13,378</li><li>Jacques Kallis (South Africa) - 12,289</li><li>Rahul Dravid (India) - 13,288</li><li>Joe Root (England) - 13,006* &nbsp;</li></ul>Perhaps the best-ever to play for England in this format, Root is in touching distance of surpassing ‘The Wall’ Dravid to go fourth on the list, needing 282 runs, and should he add another two runs to it, he will also get past Kallis to become the third-highest run-scorer of all time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-no-james-anderson-stuart-broad-make-life-easier-for-rishabh-pant-india-tour-of-england-leeds-test-vice-captain-1750323170852">India tour of England 2025: No Anderson and Broad make life easier for Rishabh Pant</a> &nbsp;However, for him to get past the great Ponting, he must score another 89 runs, and given his form and the number of Tests England is playing India this time (five), he has ample time and innings to go second to the little master on this tally. &nbsp;Meanwhile, speaking highly of the touring Indian Team, against whom he made his Test debut in Nagpur 2012, Root said such series are the reason one plays cricket, and that the opportunities in front of them are epic.&nbsp; &nbsp;"You can only be excited. These are the series you play for. The opportunities in front of us are epic," Root, 34, said in a chat with Sky Sports ahead of the series opener in Leeds. "You look at India's progression as a team across all formats, and they have all bases covered - great seam attack, talented batters and a very strong spin attack. &nbsp;"They are going to compete anywhere in the world, but our record at home makes for a fantastic series. We will go into it with confidence but also with a huge amount of respect for what they will bring,” he continued.&nbsp;<h3>Lucky to play for England &nbsp;</h3>Reflecting on his incredible yet glorious England career, Root said, "I think how lucky I am to play for England. You play at amazing venues around the world, experiencing different cultures and everything else the sport has to offer - friendships and opportunities. &nbsp;"Trying to keep a broad mind on those things is more of a motivator than trying to plan too far ahead. Soak in and enjoy the good times,” he continued.

Closer to God! How India Test series could cut gap between Sachin and Root

England veteran batter Joe Root is the fifth-highest run-scorer in Tests. With over 13,000 (13,006) runs to his name, he needs another 372 more to surpass the second-ranked Ponting (13,378) and cut the gap with the table topper and batting God, Sachin Tendulkar (15,921). Though he stands tall among the fab-four of modern-day cricket (including Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson) for the number of runs scored, he could push himself into the conversation for the greatest Test batters of all time should he surpass the three batters in line - Rahul Dravid (4), Jacques Kallis (3) and Ponting (2). Here is the list of batters with the most Test runs – Sachin Tendulkar (India) - 15,921 Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 13,378 Jacques Kallis (South Africa) - 12,289 Rahul Dravid (India) - 13,288 Joe Root (England) - 13,006* Perhaps the best-ever to play for England in this format, Root is in touching distance of surpassing ‘The Wall’ Dravid to go fourth on the list, needing 282 runs, and should he add another two runs to it, he will also get past Kallis to become the third-highest run-scorer of all time. Also read | India tour of England 2025: No Anderson and Broad make life easier for Rishabh Pant However, for him to get past the great Ponting, he must score another 89 runs, and given his form and the number of Tests England is playing India this time (five), he has ample time and innings to go second to the little master on this tally. Meanwhile, speaking highly of the touring Indian Team, against whom he made his Test debut in Nagpur 2012, Root said such series are the reason one plays cricket, and that the opportunities in front of them are epic. "You can only be excited. These are the series you play for. The opportunities in front of us are epic," Root, 34, said in a chat with Sky Sports ahead of the series opener in Leeds. "You look at India's progression as a team across all formats, and they have all bases covered - great seam attack, talented batters and a very strong spin attack. "They are going to compete anywhere in the world, but our record at home makes for a fantastic series. We will go into it with confidence but also with a huge amount of respect for what they will bring,” he continued. Lucky to play for England Reflecting on his incredible yet glorious England career, Root said, "I think how lucky I am to play for England. You play at amazing venues around the world, experiencing different cultures and everything else the sport has to offer - friendships and opportunities. "Trying to keep a broad mind on those things is more of a motivator than trying to plan too far ahead. Soak in and enjoy the good times,” he continued.

Speaking highly of the touring Indian Team, against whom he made his Test debut in Nagpur 2012, Root said such series are the reason one plays cricket, and that the opportunities in front of them are epic.

IND vs ENG: Closer to God! How India Test series could cut gap between Sachin and Root

While the touring Indian Team prepares to weather the seaming conditions in Leeds for their series opener against England, the residents are preparing for scorching heat over the weekend. The Shubman Gill-led side will face its set of challenges on day one at Headingley, but having the hotter overhead conditions with the temperature soaring in mid-20s Celsius could make them feel at home. However, a greener track underneath is where the problem lies.&nbsp;Leeds is traditionally a seam-friendly venue, with the new bowlers enjoying purchases early in the innings. England picking three front-line quicks in Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue for the first Test suggests that the wicket would have plenty to offer even when the ball turns slightly old. Even then, with England captain Ben Stokes chipping in with his later inswingers, batting would become tough for the Rohit and Kohli-less Indian Team.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2025-victim-of-jasprit-bumrah-greater-yorker-ollie-pope-outlines-plan-against-indian-quick-leeds-test-1750313576081">Victim of Bumrah’s ‘greatest yorker’, England batter Ollie Pope outlines plan against Indian quick in Test series</a><h2>Leeds pitch for ENG-IND tie &nbsp;</h2>Under the wraps for most of the time, the pitch got exposed two days before the start of the Leeds Test between India and England, and to say that there was any dry or brown patch visible would be an understatement. It looked as green as a grass field, with viewers wondering, 'Is there even a pitch?' &nbsp;However, regardless of the playing conditions, the touring Indian Team continues to prepare for the marquee series with a relatively newer squad at the helm. While most of the core, including Rohit, Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, remain absent, the availability of rookie players keeps the fans excited about what is to come.<h3>Leeds pitch -</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The pitch at Headingley… 👀 📸: <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNcricinfo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/YQtcUvSOhR">pic.twitter.com/YQtcUvSOhR</a>&mdash; England&#39;s Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBarmyArmy/status/1935414058653507901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking ahead of the series opener in Leeds, Team India’s new vice-captain Rishabh Pant addressed talks around it, confirming Gill’s position, but remained mum on the top order and who fits the bowling attack.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I think there is still discussion going on, who is going to play 3. But definitely, 4 and 5 are fixed. I think Shubman is going to bat at number 4, and I'm going to stick to number 5 as of now. And rest, we are going to keep on discussing about that," Pant said ahead of the first Test. &nbsp;Besides, India would likely play at least three quicks, barring a seam-bowling all-rounder - should one of the two (Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur) get picked, but could surprise everyone by picking two spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, considering the hot overhead conditions

Leeds pitch worries India but hot conditions could make them feel at home

While the touring Indian Team prepares to weather the seaming conditions in Leeds for their series opener against England, the residents are preparing for scorching heat over the weekend. The Shubman Gill-led side will face its set of challenges on day one at Headingley, but having the hotter overhead conditions with the temperature soaring in mid-20s Celsius could make them feel at home. However, a greener track underneath is where the problem lies. Leeds is traditionally a seam-friendly venue, with the new bowlers enjoying purchases early in the innings. England picking three front-line quicks in Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue for the first Test suggests that the wicket would have plenty to offer even when the ball turns slightly old. Even then, with England captain Ben Stokes chipping in with his later inswingers, batting would become tough for the Rohit and Kohli-less Indian Team. Also read | Victim of Bumrah’s ‘greatest yorker’, England batter Ollie Pope outlines plan against Indian quick in Test series Leeds pitch for ENG-IND tie Under the wraps for most of the time, the pitch got exposed two days before the start of the Leeds Test between India and England, and to say that there was any dry or brown patch visible would be an understatement. It looked as green as a grass field, with viewers wondering, 'Is there even a pitch?' However, regardless of the playing conditions, the touring Indian Team continues to prepare for the marquee series with a relatively newer squad at the helm. While most of the core, including Rohit, Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, remain absent, the availability of rookie players keeps the fans excited about what is to come. Leeds pitch -

Leeds is traditionally a seam-friendly venue, with the new bowlers enjoying purchases early in the innings.

ENG vs IND 2025: Green track at Headingley worries India but hot conditions could make them feel at home

Once a victim of his ‘greatest yorker’ that still comes across while scrolling social media, England batter Ollie Pope has outlined a plan to tackle Indian quick Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Test series. Pope, who retained his place ahead of rookie all-rounder Jacob Bethell and will play at number three, spoke on how he wants to ‘rotate the strike and get to the other end’ quickly so that Bumrah doesn’t bowl six balls to him at a stretch.&nbsp;While Pope has come up against Bumrah nine times in Tests, facing 186 balls and scoring 86 runs, he has been out to him five times; besides, the rotation of strike hasn’t been the best ploy against him as Pope has played 140 of those deliveries as dot balls, scoring in the remaining 46.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2025-common-sense-not-bazball-will-help-england-triumph-over-india-geoffrey-boycott-1750310030014">Common sense, not Bazball, will help England triumph over India: Geoffrey Boycott</a> &nbsp;“Maybe getting my trigger in a bit earlier just to give myself a bit more time,” Pope said in a chat with England’s The Times. “He’s one of those bowlers that, with his action and where he releases it from, doesn’t necessarily clock the high speeds that some of the guys clock, but it certainly feels like it’s that bit quicker. With the skills he’s got as well, it’s being aware of that.” &nbsp;Meanwhile, speaking with TalkSport earlier, Pope explained why it’s always a challenge to face Bumrah, let alone try to hit him. The right-handed batter, who has been among the runs for England playing in this position, reveals the whole purpose against Bumrah is to put him under pressure.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Yeah, it’s a challenge. I think I’ve played him in probably three different series now, and you’re constantly trying to find ways to put him under some pressure. I mean, he can bowl 20 overs in a day — that’s a lot. So, the way we talk about cricket is, you want to absorb pressure when needed, and then, if necessary, try to put a guy under a little bit of pressure,” Pope said. &nbsp;He then detailed what’s best they can do to avoid gifting wickets to Bumrah. &nbsp;‘Right, how can I rotate and get to the other end?’ And my partner’s thinking the same, so he [Bumrah] doesn’t get six balls at you in a row and use all his skills. He’s a highly skilled bowler, one of the best in the world, if not the best. &nbsp;“There’s no hiding behind that. But I’m sure everyone has different methods to try and nullify his main threats and figure out their scoring areas. It’s really about keeping it as simple as possible,” Pope explained. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Bumrah and Pope will again come up against each other during the forthcoming Test series, starting with the first Test on June 20 in Leeds.&nbsp;

Victim of Bumrah’s ‘greatest yorker’, Pope outlines plan against Indian quick

Once a victim of his ‘greatest yorker’ that still comes across while scrolling social media, England batter Ollie Pope has outlined a plan to tackle Indian quick Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Test series. Pope, who retained his place ahead of rookie all-rounder Jacob Bethell and will play at number three, spoke on how he wants to ‘rotate the strike and get to the other end’ quickly so that Bumrah doesn’t bowl six balls to him at a stretch. While Pope has come up against Bumrah nine times in Tests, facing 186 balls and scoring 86 runs, he has been out to him five times; besides, the rotation of strike hasn’t been the best ploy against him as Pope has played 140 of those deliveries as dot balls, scoring in the remaining 46. Also read | Common sense, not Bazball, will help England triumph over India: Geoffrey Boycott “Maybe getting my trigger in a bit earlier just to give myself a bit more time,” Pope said in a chat with England’s The Times. “He’s one of those bowlers that, with his action and where he releases it from, doesn’t necessarily clock the high speeds that some of the guys clock, but it certainly feels like it’s that bit quicker. With the skills he’s got as well, it’s being aware of that.” Meanwhile, speaking with TalkSport earlier, Pope explained why it’s always a challenge to face Bumrah, let alone try to hit him. The right-handed batter, who has been among the runs for England playing in this position, reveals the whole purpose against Bumrah is to put him under pressure. “Yeah, it’s a challenge. I think I’ve played him in probably three different series now, and you’re constantly trying to find ways to put him under some pressure. I mean, he can bowl 20 overs in a day — that’s a lot. So, the way we talk about cricket is, you want to absorb pressure when needed, and then, if necessary, try to put a guy under a little bit of pressure,” Pope said. He then detailed what’s best they can do to avoid gifting wickets to Bumrah. ‘Right, how can I rotate and get to the other end?’ And my partner’s thinking the same, so he [Bumrah] doesn’t get six balls at you in a row and use all his skills. He’s a highly skilled bowler, one of the best in the world, if not the best. “There’s no hiding behind that. But I’m sure everyone has different methods to try and nullify his main threats and figure out their scoring areas. It’s really about keeping it as simple as possible,” Pope explained. Meanwhile, Bumrah and Pope will again come up against each other during the forthcoming Test series, starting with the first Test on June 20 in Leeds.

While Pope has come up against Bumrah nine times in Tests, facing 186 balls and scoring 86 runs, he has been out to him five times.&nbsp;

Victim of Bumrah’s ‘greatest yorker’, England batter Ollie Pope outlines plan against Indian quick in Test series

England has played some fantastic Test cricket since head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes took charge, but have failed to guide the team in the two WTC Finals since, worrying fans and even analysts, including former England great Geoffrey Boycott. With England set to host India for five Tests starting June 20 in Leeds, Boycott feels the only way the hosts can prevail is by playing with common sense and not just super-attacking cricket, which the media calls Bazball.&nbsp;Despite excelling against some teams in certain conditions, England failed to reach the summit clash of (three) WTC Finals, all held in England to date. Although the outspoken England great said that Stokes’ team should be embarrassed by that record, he suggested they deploy the traditional approach, which will help them stand tall in the end.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-england-name-playing-xi-for-hit-through-the-line-pitch-at-headingley-test-vs-india-1750264461375">IND vs ENG: Only four specialist bowlers in playing XI as England ask for 'hit through the line' pitch for Headingley Test</a> &nbsp;“England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense. At times, their cricket has been thrilling and super enjoyable, but also reckless batting has lost them Test matches,” Boycott wrote in The Telegraph. &nbsp;“Their only thought should be winning because it is no use telling us how good you are when the last three World Test Championship finals have been played in our country, but England have not qualified for any of them. They should be embarrassed. Their aim should be to make the next WTC final,” he continued.<h2>Winning is more important than entertaining &nbsp;</h2>Considering how McCullum and Stokes have always advocated reviving this dying format (Test cricket) by making it entertaining for the fans, by going gaga over the over-attacking form of cricket, which Boycott calls ‘reckless’, he has urged the English Team to set their priorities and try and win and not just concentrate at entertaining fans.&nbsp; &nbsp;He said that winning is paramount in this game, and even considering what all is at stake, and if fans are being entertained and Test cricket also seems to revive by that, it’s a bonus and shouldn’t be the other way around.&nbsp; &nbsp;“The new cycle starts now, and somebody needs to get through to the England players that being a winner is better than being known as an entertainer. If you can win and entertain, that is a bonus. At the moment, England are like a one-trick pony. It’s Bazball or Bazball, and that is the way we play; take it or leave it. They don’t want to change or learn from their losses,” he wrote. &nbsp;Meanwhile, England announced their playing XI for the series opener against India, retaining Ollie Pope at three and benching Jacob Bethell. Seam-bowling all-rounders Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are part of the pace attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;England XI for Leeds Test - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir

Common sense, not Bazball, will help England triumph over India: Boycott

England has played some fantastic Test cricket since head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes took charge, but have failed to guide the team in the two WTC Finals since, worrying fans and even analysts, including former England great Geoffrey Boycott. With England set to host India for five Tests starting June 20 in Leeds, Boycott feels the only way the hosts can prevail is by playing with common sense and not just super-attacking cricket, which the media calls Bazball. Despite excelling against some teams in certain conditions, England failed to reach the summit clash of (three) WTC Finals, all held in England to date. Although the outspoken England great said that Stokes’ team should be embarrassed by that record, he suggested they deploy the traditional approach, which will help them stand tall in the end. Also read | IND vs ENG: Only four specialist bowlers in playing XI as England ask for 'hit through the line' pitch for Headingley Test “England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense. At times, their cricket has been thrilling and super enjoyable, but also reckless batting has lost them Test matches,” Boycott wrote in The Telegraph. “Their only thought should be winning because it is no use telling us how good you are when the last three World Test Championship finals have been played in our country, but England have not qualified for any of them. They should be embarrassed. Their aim should be to make the next WTC final,” he continued. Winning is more important than entertaining Considering how McCullum and Stokes have always advocated reviving this dying format (Test cricket) by making it entertaining for the fans, by going gaga over the over-attacking form of cricket, which Boycott calls ‘reckless’, he has urged the English Team to set their priorities and try and win and not just concentrate at entertaining fans. He said that winning is paramount in this game, and even considering what all is at stake, and if fans are being entertained and Test cricket also seems to revive by that, it’s a bonus and shouldn’t be the other way around. “The new cycle starts now, and somebody needs to get through to the England players that being a winner is better than being known as an entertainer. If you can win and entertain, that is a bonus. At the moment, England are like a one-trick pony. It’s Bazball or Bazball, and that is the way we play; take it or leave it. They don’t want to change or learn from their losses,” he wrote. Meanwhile, England announced their playing XI for the series opener against India, retaining Ollie Pope at three and benching Jacob Bethell. Seam-bowling all-rounders Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are part of the pace attack. England XI for Leeds Test - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir

Despite excelling against some teams in certain conditions, England failed to reach the summit clash of (three) WTC Finals, all held in England to date.

Common sense, not Bazball, will help England triumph over India: Geoffrey Boycott

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir will rejoin the squad in Leeds ahead of the first Test against England starting Friday (June 20) at Headingley. Gautam rushed home last Wednesday to see his ailing mother, a day before the four-day intra-squad game between India-A and the senior men's team got underway in Beckenham.&nbsp;The latest reports suggest that his mother’s health has improved since, and Gambhir will reach England on Tuesday (June 17), reuniting with the Test team in Leeds – the venue for the series opener.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-tour-of-england-sai-sudharsan-hails-washington-sundar-as-mentor-says-he-has-been-my-inspiration-1750061340175">Sai Sudharsan hails 'mentor' Washington Sundar, says ‘he has been my inspiration’</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, in Gambhir’s absence, Ryan ten Doeschate and Sitanshu Kotak – the two assistant coaches, alongside seamer Morne Morkel, the bowling coach - took charge of the senior team’s preparation, with former India all-rounder and India-A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar was at the other team’s dugout. &nbsp;The game was played behind closed doors.&nbsp;<h2>What did coaches and players have to say? &nbsp;</h2>It is the first time since 2011 that neither Virat Kohli nor Rohit Sharma is part of a Test squad, home or away, as both announced their respective retirements from this format last month. Though their absence forced the BCCI selection committee and the head coach Gambhir to take some brave calls, including naming Shubman Gill as the new Test skipper, Morkel sounded confident of the team's practice leading up to the Test series. &nbsp; &nbsp;"There's some quality energy in this group, and, you know, that's what you need. You need to go into a Test series confident, you need to have that team spirit in the group, and I think so far they have done a great job,” Morkel said in a chat with bcci.tv. &nbsp;Gill, however, received some backing from teammate and spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who praised him for having all the leadership traits required to guide this new-look team to greater heights. &nbsp;"I have seen over the last three-four sessions that Shubman has the same qualities that I've seen in our previous leadership groups. He's fully ready to lead us,” Kuldeep said after the conclusion of the intra-squad game.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Gambhir would have plenty on his table to cater ahead of the first Test that begins four days from now. While choosing the top four would be the hardest part of his job, considering who fits better in which position, Gambhir would also have to pick the best quicks for the first Test, besides choosing between the three all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy.&nbsp;

Head coach Gambhir to rejoin squad ahead of Leeds Test, return date announced

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir will rejoin the squad in Leeds ahead of the first Test against England starting Friday (June 20) at Headingley. Gautam rushed home last Wednesday to see his ailing mother, a day before the four-day intra-squad game between India-A and the senior men's team got underway in Beckenham. The latest reports suggest that his mother’s health has improved since, and Gambhir will reach England on Tuesday (June 17), reuniting with the Test team in Leeds – the venue for the series opener. Also read | Sai Sudharsan hails 'mentor' Washington Sundar, says ‘he has been my inspiration’ Meanwhile, in Gambhir’s absence, Ryan ten Doeschate and Sitanshu Kotak – the two assistant coaches, alongside seamer Morne Morkel, the bowling coach - took charge of the senior team’s preparation, with former India all-rounder and India-A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar was at the other team’s dugout. The game was played behind closed doors. What did coaches and players have to say? It is the first time since 2011 that neither Virat Kohli nor Rohit Sharma is part of a Test squad, home or away, as both announced their respective retirements from this format last month. Though their absence forced the BCCI selection committee and the head coach Gambhir to take some brave calls, including naming Shubman Gill as the new Test skipper, Morkel sounded confident of the team's practice leading up to the Test series. "There's some quality energy in this group, and, you know, that's what you need. You need to go into a Test series confident, you need to have that team spirit in the group, and I think so far they have done a great job,” Morkel said in a chat with bcci.tv. Gill, however, received some backing from teammate and spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who praised him for having all the leadership traits required to guide this new-look team to greater heights. "I have seen over the last three-four sessions that Shubman has the same qualities that I've seen in our previous leadership groups. He's fully ready to lead us,” Kuldeep said after the conclusion of the intra-squad game. Meanwhile, Gambhir would have plenty on his table to cater ahead of the first Test that begins four days from now. While choosing the top four would be the hardest part of his job, considering who fits better in which position, Gambhir would also have to pick the best quicks for the first Test, besides choosing between the three all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

In Gambhir’s absence, Ryan ten Doeschate and Sitanshu Kotak – the two assistant coaches, alongside seamer Morne Morkel, the bowling coach - took charge of the senior team’s preparation during the intra-squad match in Kent.

India head coach Gambhir to rejoin squad ahead of Leeds Test, return date announced

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir rushed home (to New Delhi) on Wednesday (June 11) due to a family emergency. The Indian men’s senior team was without Gambhir for their only practice game on the English tour against India-A in Beckenham starting on Friday (June 13). While former India cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar was in the India-A dugout, assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak and Ryan ten Doeschate, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel, took charge of the senior side.&nbsp;Although it remains unclear when Gautam will rejoin the squad, or even if he would in the first place, his absence comes at a crucial time, when the newly-appointed captain, Shubman Gill, alongside the team management, was looking forward to working on assembling the best XI for the five-match Test series starting June 20 in Leeds.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ahmedabad-plane-crash-south-africa-australia-players-pay-homage-to-lives-lost-in-tragic-crash-wtc-final-2025-day-3-1749807853230">Ahmedabad plane crash: WTC Final-bound players, Indian Teams in UK observe silence, pay homage to lives lost - WATCH</a> &nbsp;With no media telecast of this intra-squad game between India and India-A on BCCI’s orders, Gambhir misses out on closely watching, analysing and working on formalising the top order, which needed replacements following the retirement of two stalwarts – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The two master cricketers hung their Test boots in the space of five days (last month), leaving the selectors to pick and play a new-look Indian Team. &nbsp;With at least a couple of new slots to fill, uncapped Sai Sudharsan is running the race from the senior team XI for this game, while spare opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, Dhruv Jure and returning Karun Nair, among those from the India-A vying for a place in the Indian Team for the England Tests.&nbsp; &nbsp;Barring the batters, the decision makers also have to pick between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur for the all-rounder's position in the XI. Though Reddy has his Australia tour numbers to press his case for England Tests, Thakur’s experience could come in handy for the visitors, as he has toured England before.&nbsp; &nbsp;Moreover, ace quick Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack but is unlikely to play all matches, with the selectors having plenty to choose from to compensate for that, including uncapped Arshdeep Singh.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, the Indian Team observed a minute's silence for the ones killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash ahead of their closed-door practice game against India-A.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The players and members of the support staff involved in the intra-squad game in Beckenham are wearing black armbands. A minute's silence was also observed today to pay homage to the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, as a mark of respect for the lives lost and solidarity with the affected families,” the BCCI captioned two photos they posted on their social media handles.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The players and members of support staff involved in the intra-squad game in Beckenham are wearing black armbands. A minute&#39;s silence was also observed today to pay homage to the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, as a mark of respect for the lives lost and solidarity with… <a href="https://t.co/u364pNdGyu">pic.twitter.com/u364pNdGyu</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1933458010342412548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ENG vs IND 2025: India head coach Gambhir flies home due to family emergency

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir rushed home (to New Delhi) on Wednesday (June 11) due to a family emergency. The Indian men’s senior team was without Gambhir for their only practice game on the English tour against India-A in Beckenham starting on Friday (June 13). While former India cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar was in the India-A dugout, assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak and Ryan ten Doeschate, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel, took charge of the senior side. Although it remains unclear when Gautam will rejoin the squad, or even if he would in the first place, his absence comes at a crucial time, when the newly-appointed captain, Shubman Gill, alongside the team management, was looking forward to working on assembling the best XI for the five-match Test series starting June 20 in Leeds. Also read | Ahmedabad plane crash: WTC Final-bound players, Indian Teams in UK observe silence, pay homage to lives lost - WATCH With no media telecast of this intra-squad game between India and India-A on BCCI’s orders, Gambhir misses out on closely watching, analysing and working on formalising the top order, which needed replacements following the retirement of two stalwarts – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The two master cricketers hung their Test boots in the space of five days (last month), leaving the selectors to pick and play a new-look Indian Team. With at least a couple of new slots to fill, uncapped Sai Sudharsan is running the race from the senior team XI for this game, while spare opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, Dhruv Jure and returning Karun Nair, among those from the India-A vying for a place in the Indian Team for the England Tests. Barring the batters, the decision makers also have to pick between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur for the all-rounder's position in the XI. Though Reddy has his Australia tour numbers to press his case for England Tests, Thakur’s experience could come in handy for the visitors, as he has toured England before. Moreover, ace quick Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack but is unlikely to play all matches, with the selectors having plenty to choose from to compensate for that, including uncapped Arshdeep Singh. Meanwhile, the Indian Team observed a minute's silence for the ones killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash ahead of their closed-door practice game against India-A. “The players and members of the support staff involved in the intra-squad game in Beckenham are wearing black armbands. A minute's silence was also observed today to pay homage to the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, as a mark of respect for the lives lost and solidarity with the affected families,” the BCCI captioned two photos they posted on their social media handles.

With no media telecast of this intra-squad game between India and India-A on BCCI’s orders, Gambhir misses out on closely watching, analysing and working on formalising the top order.

ENG vs IND 2025: India head coach Gambhir flies home due to family emergency; return date uncertain

The Indian Cricket Board has denied any media or broadcasting access to the much-talked-about India vs India-A intra-squad game starting Friday (June 13) in Beckenham. There will be no live telecast of the four-day practice game, part of the shadow tour, on any streaming platform worldwide following BCCI's instructions.&nbsp;While the JioHotstar app broadcasted the previous two matches between India-A and England Lions, the fans will have no access to the India vs India-A game – Team India’s last tour match before the Test series gets underway in Leeds next week.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mlc-2025-151-runs-in-51-balls-19-sixes-finn-allen-tears-record-books-chris-gayle-san-francisco-unicorns-1749794536841">MLC 2025: 151 runs in 51 balls, including 19 sixes! Finn Allen tears record books in season opener</a> &nbsp;India-A squad reached the UK late in May to prepare and participate in the shadow tour, with several Test-team-bound players also included. While Karun Nair and all-rounder Shardul Thakur impressed the selectors with their respective quality outings, others also pressed their cases for a potential call-up to the red-ball side.&nbsp; &nbsp;Following the IPL 2025 league stage, players who were not part of the playoffs linked up with the India-A squad for the second tour game in Northampton. Seasoned batter KL Rahul was among them, who continued his sublime touch in England, hitting a hundred and fifty in the two outings. He, however, is expected to retain his place at the top alongside attacking Yashasvi Jaiswal. &nbsp;On the other hand, the remainder of the 18-man squad picked for the five-match Test series departed shortly after the IPL 2025 final. They landed in London last Saturday and began practice at the training facility of the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the venue for their third Test against England. &nbsp;Meanwhile, under the new leadership of Shubman Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma as the new Test captain, the team gelled together and continued to train for the marquee England series. With several indoor and outdoor practice sessions being held since and plenty more to come, the Indian Team wants to work on assembling the best XI for the series opener in Headingley.<h3>BCCI denies permission to telecast India vs India-A game &nbsp;</h3>The BCCI and the team management decided against telecasting this intra-squad match, only to keep the players and their performances under wraps before publicly announcing the playing XI for the Leeds Test. &nbsp;Considering both wish to avoid any drama or talk surrounding anyone’s form, fitness or availability, this intra-squad match will be staged indoors, with only a scorecard of it available for the fans.&nbsp; &nbsp;"June 13-16: Closed Intra squad game. No vision access to Media/Broadcast. On the final day of the squad game, a player/member of support staff will be made available to the media," BCCI said in a statement. &nbsp;Meanwhile, per earlier reports, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked the Kent curator to prepare a Test-match-like wicket for this intra-squad game.&nbsp; &nbsp;India-A Squad - Abhimanyu Easwaran (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (vice-captain/wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey &nbsp;India Test Squad - Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper/vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

No media coverage of India vs India A intra-squad practice game, know why

The Indian Cricket Board has denied any media or broadcasting access to the much-talked-about India vs India-A intra-squad game starting Friday (June 13) in Beckenham. There will be no live telecast of the four-day practice game, part of the shadow tour, on any streaming platform worldwide following BCCI's instructions. While the JioHotstar app broadcasted the previous two matches between India-A and England Lions, the fans will have no access to the India vs India-A game – Team India’s last tour match before the Test series gets underway in Leeds next week. Also read | MLC 2025: 151 runs in 51 balls, including 19 sixes! Finn Allen tears record books in season opener India-A squad reached the UK late in May to prepare and participate in the shadow tour, with several Test-team-bound players also included. While Karun Nair and all-rounder Shardul Thakur impressed the selectors with their respective quality outings, others also pressed their cases for a potential call-up to the red-ball side. Following the IPL 2025 league stage, players who were not part of the playoffs linked up with the India-A squad for the second tour game in Northampton. Seasoned batter KL Rahul was among them, who continued his sublime touch in England, hitting a hundred and fifty in the two outings. He, however, is expected to retain his place at the top alongside attacking Yashasvi Jaiswal. On the other hand, the remainder of the 18-man squad picked for the five-match Test series departed shortly after the IPL 2025 final. They landed in London last Saturday and began practice at the training facility of the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the venue for their third Test against England. Meanwhile, under the new leadership of Shubman Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma as the new Test captain, the team gelled together and continued to train for the marquee England series. With several indoor and outdoor practice sessions being held since and plenty more to come, the Indian Team wants to work on assembling the best XI for the series opener in Headingley. BCCI denies permission to telecast India vs India-A game The BCCI and the team management decided against telecasting this intra-squad match, only to keep the players and their performances under wraps before publicly announcing the playing XI for the Leeds Test. Considering both wish to avoid any drama or talk surrounding anyone’s form, fitness or availability, this intra-squad match will be staged indoors, with only a scorecard of it available for the fans. "June 13-16: Closed Intra squad game. No vision access to Media/Broadcast. On the final day of the squad game, a player/member of support staff will be made available to the media," BCCI said in a statement. Meanwhile, per earlier reports, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked the Kent curator to prepare a Test-match-like wicket for this intra-squad game. India-A Squad - Abhimanyu Easwaran (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (vice-captain/wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey India Test Squad - Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper/vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav

Per earlier reports, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked the Kent curator to prepare a Test-match-like wicket for this intra-squad game.&nbsp;

India vs India-A, Intra-squad game: No live telecast for fans, know why

Karun Nair is one name every Indian hopes to see playing in the series opener against England in Leeds. Making his Test comeback after eight years, having last played a red-ball game for India in March 2017, Nair is tipped to seal a spot in India’s top order for the marquee series. Though unclear and mum about his playing time in the UK, head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded his return regardless, adding that his ‘never-giving-up attitude’ helped him realise his dream of playing for India again.&nbsp;Karun scored a triple hundred in only his third Test for India (against England in Chennai), only to disappear from the international scene like he never existed. Vanishing amid a rising T20 culture worldwide, Karun kept grinding hard in the domestic circuit, scoring runs consistently. Although his name was mentioned in several conversations in the lead-up to a few away tours during this time, the selectors always decided against recalling him unless he made headlines with a blockbuster home season across formats lately.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-india-head-coach-gautam-gambhir-urges-indian-players-to-skip-survival-stage-and-play-with-purpose-on-england-tour-1749712170330">India head coach Gambhir urges players to skip survival stage and play ‘with purpose’ on England tour</a> &nbsp;During the previous Ranji Trophy season, Karun scored 863 runs, averaging close to 54, including four centuries and two fifties in 16 outings. If these numbers weren’t enough, take a look at his white-ball numbers in the One-Day tournament (Vijay Hazare Trophy), wherein he returned with 779 runs in nine matches, at a gigantic average of 389.50. His spell included five hundreds and a fifty. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – the T20 competition, he scored 255 runs in six matches, striking at 177.08.&nbsp;Even on the current shadow tour for India-A, Karun scored a double hundred in the first practice match against the England Lions. &nbsp;These numbers, however, were too good for selectors to consider him for the England series, with Gambhir taking note of it. Calling his comeback ‘inspirational’ for the entire world, Gambhir said,&nbsp; &nbsp;"Comebacks are never easy. Someone who has made a comeback after seven [eight] years had a phenomenal last year. Last year, no matter the runs you have got, and most importantly, that never-die attitude, never-giving-up attitude, that is something which has got you back into the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire world. Welcome, Karun," Gambhir said during a team huddle, the video of which was uploaded by BCCI’s social media handles on Thursday.&nbsp;<h2>Gambhir welcomes newcomers &nbsp;</h2>Gautam also welcomed two uncapped players, Sai Sudharsan and seamer Arshdeep Singh. Praising both for their respective strengths, Gautam told Sai, ‘We will make sure you have a very successful red-ball career as well,’ while talking about Arshdeep, he said, &nbsp;"I want to welcome Arsh (Arshdeep), who has been phenomenal with the white ball cricket, I am sure, with the red ball in your hand, which is still there. I am sure you are going to make it count," Gambhir said. &nbsp;Meanwhile, he also congratulated star Test batter Rishabh Pant on being picked as Shubman Gill’s deputy in this format.&nbsp;

ENG vs IND 2025: Head coach Gambhir lauds Karun Nair’s ‘great’ Test return, calls it inspirational for entire world

Karun Nair is one name every Indian hopes to see playing in the series opener against England in Leeds. Making his Test comeback after eight years, having last played a red-ball game for India in March 2017, Nair is tipped to seal a spot in India’s top order for the marquee series. Though unclear and mum about his playing time in the UK, head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded his return regardless, adding that his ‘never-giving-up attitude’ helped him realise his dream of playing for India again. Karun scored a triple hundred in only his third Test for India (against England in Chennai), only to disappear from the international scene like he never existed. Vanishing amid a rising T20 culture worldwide, Karun kept grinding hard in the domestic circuit, scoring runs consistently. Although his name was mentioned in several conversations in the lead-up to a few away tours during this time, the selectors always decided against recalling him unless he made headlines with a blockbuster home season across formats lately. Also read | India head coach Gambhir urges players to skip survival stage and play ‘with purpose’ on England tour During the previous Ranji Trophy season, Karun scored 863 runs, averaging close to 54, including four centuries and two fifties in 16 outings. If these numbers weren’t enough, take a look at his white-ball numbers in the One-Day tournament (Vijay Hazare Trophy), wherein he returned with 779 runs in nine matches, at a gigantic average of 389.50. His spell included five hundreds and a fifty. Even in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – the T20 competition, he scored 255 runs in six matches, striking at 177.08. Even on the current shadow tour for India-A, Karun scored a double hundred in the first practice match against the England Lions. These numbers, however, were too good for selectors to consider him for the England series, with Gambhir taking note of it. Calling his comeback ‘inspirational’ for the entire world, Gambhir said, "Comebacks are never easy. Someone who has made a comeback after seven [eight] years had a phenomenal last year. Last year, no matter the runs you have got, and most importantly, that never-die attitude, never-giving-up attitude, that is something which has got you back into the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire world. Welcome, Karun," Gambhir said during a team huddle, the video of which was uploaded by BCCI’s social media handles on Thursday. Gambhir welcomes newcomers Gautam also welcomed two uncapped players, Sai Sudharsan and seamer Arshdeep Singh. Praising both for their respective strengths, Gautam told Sai, ‘We will make sure you have a very successful red-ball career as well,’ while talking about Arshdeep, he said, "I want to welcome Arsh (Arshdeep), who has been phenomenal with the white ball cricket, I am sure, with the red ball in your hand, which is still there. I am sure you are going to make it count," Gambhir said. Meanwhile, he also congratulated star Test batter Rishabh Pant on being picked as Shubman Gill’s deputy in this format.

Karun scored a triple hundred in only his third Test for India (against England in Chennai), only to disappear from the international scene like he never existed.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered a loud and clear message to Indian players, urging them to skip the survival stage mode and play each ball ‘with purpose’ on the upcoming England tour, starting with the first Test in Leeds.&nbsp;With three senior players, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, all absent due to respective Test retirements, this new-look Indian Team has a chance to pull off what no touring Indian side could do on English soil since 2007 - is to beat them away from home.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-india-bowling-coach-morkel-blown-away-by-jasprit-bumrah-preparation-for-england-tests-1749708794854">‘He knows how to get himself ready’: Bowling coach Morkel ‘blown away’ by Bumrah’s preparation for ENG Tests</a> &nbsp;As Team India continues to prepare for the marquee five-match Test series, head coach Gambhir and newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill addressed the team during a huddle, outlining the need to ensure they stay at the top throughout the series, which gets underway June 20. Gautam, surrounded by newcomers Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan, gave a pep talk to his players. &nbsp;Gambhir said there are different ways to look at this series, and amidst all the hard work and talent at their disposal, they must stick together and make sacrifices, come out of their comfort zone and play each session, hour and ball with a purpose.&nbsp; &nbsp;“All I want to say is that there’s two ways of looking to this tour. One is, we are without our three most experienced players, or we got this phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country. When I look around in this group, I think the hunger, the passion, the commitment to do something special. I think if we make sacrifices, if we come out of our comfort zone, if we start fighting, not every day but every session, every hour and every ball, I think we can have a memorable tour,” Gambhir said in a video posted by BCCI’s social media handle on Thursday (June 12).&nbsp; &nbsp;Gill, who stood beside Gambhir, also echoed the same feelings but with a twist. The team skipper urged the players to take little pressure while preparing for the Test series, only to learn the art of absorbing it while being in that situation during the game.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Let’s make each and every net session meaningful, and let’s prepare like that. And let’s put ourselves under a little bit of pressure when we are going out there. It’s not about going out there and surviving; let’s try to find out our game, how we are going to play when we are put under pressure. Be it our bowlers or batters. Let’s play every ball with a purpose,” Gill said. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the senior men's team will face India-A in a closed-door intra-squad match starting June 13.&nbsp;

Gautam Gambhir urges Indian players to skip survival stage and play with purpose on England tour

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered a loud and clear message to Indian players, urging them to skip the survival stage mode and play each ball ‘with purpose’ on the upcoming England tour, starting with the first Test in Leeds. With three senior players, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, all absent due to respective Test retirements, this new-look Indian Team has a chance to pull off what no touring Indian side could do on English soil since 2007 - is to beat them away from home. Also read | ‘He knows how to get himself ready’: Bowling coach Morkel ‘blown away’ by Bumrah’s preparation for ENG Tests As Team India continues to prepare for the marquee five-match Test series, head coach Gambhir and newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill addressed the team during a huddle, outlining the need to ensure they stay at the top throughout the series, which gets underway June 20. Gautam, surrounded by newcomers Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan, gave a pep talk to his players. Gambhir said there are different ways to look at this series, and amidst all the hard work and talent at their disposal, they must stick together and make sacrifices, come out of their comfort zone and play each session, hour and ball with a purpose. “All I want to say is that there’s two ways of looking to this tour. One is, we are without our three most experienced players, or we got this phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country. When I look around in this group, I think the hunger, the passion, the commitment to do something special. I think if we make sacrifices, if we come out of our comfort zone, if we start fighting, not every day but every session, every hour and every ball, I think we can have a memorable tour,” Gambhir said in a video posted by BCCI’s social media handle on Thursday (June 12). Gill, who stood beside Gambhir, also echoed the same feelings but with a twist. The team skipper urged the players to take little pressure while preparing for the Test series, only to learn the art of absorbing it while being in that situation during the game. “Let’s make each and every net session meaningful, and let’s prepare like that. And let’s put ourselves under a little bit of pressure when we are going out there. It’s not about going out there and surviving; let’s try to find out our game, how we are going to play when we are put under pressure. Be it our bowlers or batters. Let’s play every ball with a purpose,” Gill said. Meanwhile, the senior men's team will face India-A in a closed-door intra-squad match starting June 13.

With three senior players, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, all absent due to respective Test retirements, this new-look Indian Team has a chance to pull off what no touring Indian side could do on English soil since 2007 - is to beat them away from home.

India head coach Gambhir urges players to skip survival stage and play ‘with purpose’ on England tour

Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah is gearing up for the most important tour of the summer, the away England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds. Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel reflected on his team's preparations ahead of the marquee series, with a prime focus on the speedster.&nbsp;Bumrah returned from a back injury (he suffered during India’s last away tour) during the IPL 2025, playing all games for the Mumbai Indians since. Although Bumrah's workload management suggests that he should not play more than three Tests on the trot, as also detailed by head coach Gautam Gambhir before departing for the UK, the management is yet to take a call on his playing time against England. Morkel, however, believes that despite all of this, Bumrah knows how to get himself ready for a long away tour. &nbsp;Moreover, Morkel expressed astonishment over watching Bumrah bowl full throttle in the nets, adding that his body is also coping well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-ipl-to-english-county-tilak-varma-india-batting-star-signs-short-term-deal-with-hampshire-mumbai-indians-gaikwad-1749705403799">From IPL to English County! India batting star signs short-term deal with Hampshire</a> &nbsp;"Bumrah knows how to get himself ready, he knows how to prepare," Morkel said on Wednesday.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I was blown away to see the energy on the ball the last three days. That's very exciting to see. I'm happy his body is in good shape at the moment. &nbsp;"We'll manage him with that. We'll be smart with him because he's obviously key for us, but in terms of the first three net sessions, lot to be excited watching him bowl with the Dukes ball,” he continued. &nbsp;While Bumrah might start in the first Test in Headingley, the team management is working on assembling the best attack for the series opener, with plenty of options to choose from. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna lead the race to share the new ball with Bumrah, with the selectors undecided on picking the fourth bowler in either Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy, or neither. &nbsp;Morkel, however, has high hopes from Reddy, who impressed everyone with both bat and ball in the lead-up to his Test debut.&nbsp; &nbsp;"The more bowling options we can have, that's great. He's skilful. He's a guy that can bowl that magical ball, so for him, it's about creating that consistency, it's something we want to work on, it's important for his game as well," Morkel said of Reddy.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I've had conversations where I've challenged him to bowl a bit more. &nbsp;"I want to see the ball more in his hands. We all know what he can do with the bat. For a team, if we can have the bowling options, especially in these conditions, I think he'll be exciting and can complement this bowling attack,” he continued.&nbsp;

India bowling coach Morkel blown away by Jasprit Bumrah preparation for England Tests

Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah is gearing up for the most important tour of the summer, the away England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds. Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel reflected on his team's preparations ahead of the marquee series, with a prime focus on the speedster. Bumrah returned from a back injury (he suffered during India’s last away tour) during the IPL 2025, playing all games for the Mumbai Indians since. Although Bumrah's workload management suggests that he should not play more than three Tests on the trot, as also detailed by head coach Gautam Gambhir before departing for the UK, the management is yet to take a call on his playing time against England. Morkel, however, believes that despite all of this, Bumrah knows how to get himself ready for a long away tour. Moreover, Morkel expressed astonishment over watching Bumrah bowl full throttle in the nets, adding that his body is also coping well. Also read | From IPL to English County! India batting star signs short-term deal with Hampshire "Bumrah knows how to get himself ready, he knows how to prepare," Morkel said on Wednesday. "I was blown away to see the energy on the ball the last three days. That's very exciting to see. I'm happy his body is in good shape at the moment. "We'll manage him with that. We'll be smart with him because he's obviously key for us, but in terms of the first three net sessions, lot to be excited watching him bowl with the Dukes ball,” he continued. While Bumrah might start in the first Test in Headingley, the team management is working on assembling the best attack for the series opener, with plenty of options to choose from. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna lead the race to share the new ball with Bumrah, with the selectors undecided on picking the fourth bowler in either Shardul Thakur or Nitish Kumar Reddy, or neither. Morkel, however, has high hopes from Reddy, who impressed everyone with both bat and ball in the lead-up to his Test debut. "The more bowling options we can have, that's great. He's skilful. He's a guy that can bowl that magical ball, so for him, it's about creating that consistency, it's something we want to work on, it's important for his game as well," Morkel said of Reddy. "I've had conversations where I've challenged him to bowl a bit more. "I want to see the ball more in his hands. We all know what he can do with the bat. For a team, if we can have the bowling options, especially in these conditions, I think he'll be exciting and can complement this bowling attack,” he continued.

Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel reflected on his team's preparations ahead of the marquee series, with a prime focus on the speedster.

‘He knows how to get himself ready’: Bowling coach Morkel ‘blown away’ by Bumrah’s preparation for ENG Tests

With his appointment as the new Test captain, Shubman Gill has eclipsed everyone to become the new face of Indian Cricket, reckons former England captain Michael Vaughan. Since Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, who previously held this post for the longest time, Gill seems to have overtaken him as the Indian cricketer to look out for across formats. The forthcoming England Tests, starting June 20 in Leeds, will be Gill’s first assignment as the Test skipper.&nbsp;Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement came early last month, followed by Virat’s a week later. As they departed from the red-ball scene, India needed a new Test skipper and a hero. Though the BCCI selectors discussed several options, including ace quick Jasprit Bumrah and gloveman Rishabh Pant, they felt handpicking Gill to fill that role was best suited for everyone, with Vaughan also calling it a bold move.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-pat-cummins-fumes-as-india-preferred-over-wtc-finalist-to-train-at-lords-report-south-africa-eng-vs-ind-2025-1749467014870">Australia captain Cummins fumes as India preferred over WTC finalists to train at Lord’s – Report</a> &nbsp;“Shubman Gill is officially the new face of Indian Test cricket, stepping up as captain for the England series. It’s a bold move, trusting a young leader with a new-look team after the retirements of giants like Rohit and Kohli. Gill has a lot to prove, especially away from home, but he has shown he has the temperament for big moments,” Vaughan said while speaking on the Sony Sports Network. &nbsp;While Gill is the new Test captain, Pant will play as his deputy.&nbsp; &nbsp;“With Rishabh Pant as his deputy and a squad eager to make their mark, this England tour could be the start of something special for India’s next generation. Don’t be surprised if these youngsters rise to the occasion,” Vaughan added.<h2>Gavaskar backs new Indian Team to bring glory home &nbsp;</h2>India has tasted enormous success outside Asia in the past decade, having won several matches and even Test series on foreign land, but has yet to win one in England since 2007. &nbsp;Although India was leading the five-match series in England the last time they toured before the Covid outbreak forced all action to stop midway, losing the fifth and final one, held several months later, led to the host levelling the series, making India wait for their first Test series win in the UK since 18 years. &nbsp;However, with a new-look Indian Team gearing up to script history, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar backed them to deliver a winning punch this time. &nbsp;“There’s always something special about an Indian team touring England, and this time, with a new young captain and terrific young players, the excitement and anticipation among fans are at an all-time high. Everyone is eager to see how these young cricketers will rise to the occasion and carve out their legacy,” Gavaskar said.&nbsp;

‘Shubman Gill is officially the face of Indian Cricket…it’s a bold move’: Michael Vaughan

With his appointment as the new Test captain, Shubman Gill has eclipsed everyone to become the new face of Indian Cricket, reckons former England captain Michael Vaughan. Since Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, who previously held this post for the longest time, Gill seems to have overtaken him as the Indian cricketer to look out for across formats. The forthcoming England Tests, starting June 20 in Leeds, will be Gill’s first assignment as the Test skipper. Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement came early last month, followed by Virat’s a week later. As they departed from the red-ball scene, India needed a new Test skipper and a hero. Though the BCCI selectors discussed several options, including ace quick Jasprit Bumrah and gloveman Rishabh Pant, they felt handpicking Gill to fill that role was best suited for everyone, with Vaughan also calling it a bold move. Also read | Australia captain Cummins fumes as India preferred over WTC finalists to train at Lord’s – Report “Shubman Gill is officially the new face of Indian Test cricket, stepping up as captain for the England series. It’s a bold move, trusting a young leader with a new-look team after the retirements of giants like Rohit and Kohli. Gill has a lot to prove, especially away from home, but he has shown he has the temperament for big moments,” Vaughan said while speaking on the Sony Sports Network. While Gill is the new Test captain, Pant will play as his deputy. “With Rishabh Pant as his deputy and a squad eager to make their mark, this England tour could be the start of something special for India’s next generation. Don’t be surprised if these youngsters rise to the occasion,” Vaughan added. Gavaskar backs new Indian Team to bring glory home India has tasted enormous success outside Asia in the past decade, having won several matches and even Test series on foreign land, but has yet to win one in England since 2007. Although India was leading the five-match series in England the last time they toured before the Covid outbreak forced all action to stop midway, losing the fifth and final one, held several months later, led to the host levelling the series, making India wait for their first Test series win in the UK since 18 years. However, with a new-look Indian Team gearing up to script history, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar backed them to deliver a winning punch this time. “There’s always something special about an Indian team touring England, and this time, with a new young captain and terrific young players, the excitement and anticipation among fans are at an all-time high. Everyone is eager to see how these young cricketers will rise to the occasion and carve out their legacy,” Gavaskar said.

India has tasted enormous success outside Asia in the past decade, having won several matches and even Test series on foreign land, but has yet to win one in England since 2007.

Gone are the days when an Indian Team used to land in a foreign country to a sea of fans waiting for them at the airport, cheering them through to their team hotel or even practice venues, as the sight upon their arrival in England this time was contrasting - no fans, no hype and no media. A new-look Indian Team landed in the UK for the marquee five-match Test series on Saturday (June 7); however, the vibe and their welcome were different from how it was on their arrival in Adelaide on their previous away tour.&nbsp;With no two certain superstars in former India captain Rohit Sharma and batting giant Virat Kohli in the squad, as both hung up their boots from the traditional format earlier last month, there was a massive dip in the hype surrounding new leadership in Test captain Shubman Gill, alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-michael-clarke-ricky-ponting-differ-on-india-batting-conundrum-but-back-superstar-sai-sudharsan-to-debut-in-uk-1749302306404">ENG vs IND 2025: Clarke, Ponting differ on India’s batting conundrum but back 'superstar' Sudharsan to debut in UK</a> &nbsp;Though a few players picked in the 18-man squad for the England series starting June 20 in Leeds had already arrived in the country to partake in the shadow tour (with India-A), including KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, the remaining ones reached on Saturday. &nbsp;Meanwhile, when India toured Australia last year, which happened to be Virat and Rohit’s final series in the whites, countless fans assembled at the airport in Adelaide, accompanying them to the practice ground. Such was the craze of Virat Kohli that he made headlines even before the series began, with the BCCI later forced to stage the indoor training session to avoid crowding the venue. &nbsp;Kohli, however, also recently made headlines but for all the wrong reasons after his IPL franchise RCB were at the centre of a failed and unplanned roadshow and victory celebration in Bengaluru, following their maiden IPL title win the other night. With countless fans flocking to the M Chinnaswamy stadium to get a glimpse of their franchise heroes, jubilation turned into a disaster, killing 11 people and injuring 33 others in a stampede.<h2>No hype for India’s tour of England &nbsp;</h2>Although there is plenty to ponder on the new-look squad ahead of the five-match Test series, with the series holding significance on several grounds, the same energy, however, wasn’t felt outside.&nbsp; &nbsp;Besides, in a video doing the rounds on social media, Indian journalist Vimal Kumar said, "I did not get to see that hype. Not a single fan or media personnel was seen." &nbsp;Check out the Video –

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🚨 No fans were there on airport waiting ,no media as well No Kohli , No Hype - No fans Credit - Vimal kumar <a href="https://t.co/p6RV2grPie">pic.twitter.com/p6RV2grPie</a>&mdash; Salahotro🇵🇲 (@Salahotro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Salahotro/status/1931177554863616107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Team India's arrival to the UK - Video

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Touchdown UK 🛬<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> have arrived for the five-match Test series against England 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/QK5MMk9Liw">pic.twitter.com/QK5MMk9Liw</a>&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1931198777093943296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Empty airport, no hype as Team India lands in England for marquee Test series – WATCH

Gone are the days when an Indian Team used to land in a foreign country to a sea of fans waiting for them at the airport, cheering them through to their team hotel or even practice venues, as the sight upon their arrival in England this time was contrasting - no fans, no hype and no media. A new-look Indian Team landed in the UK for the marquee five-match Test series on Saturday (June 7); however, the vibe and their welcome were different from how it was on their arrival in Adelaide on their previous away tour. With no two certain superstars in former India captain Rohit Sharma and batting giant Virat Kohli in the squad, as both hung up their boots from the traditional format earlier last month, there was a massive dip in the hype surrounding new leadership in Test captain Shubman Gill, alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir. Also read | ENG vs IND 2025: Clarke, Ponting differ on India’s batting conundrum but back 'superstar' Sudharsan to debut in UK Though a few players picked in the 18-man squad for the England series starting June 20 in Leeds had already arrived in the country to partake in the shadow tour (with India-A), including KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, the remaining ones reached on Saturday. Meanwhile, when India toured Australia last year, which happened to be Virat and Rohit’s final series in the whites, countless fans assembled at the airport in Adelaide, accompanying them to the practice ground. Such was the craze of Virat Kohli that he made headlines even before the series began, with the BCCI later forced to stage the indoor training session to avoid crowding the venue. Kohli, however, also recently made headlines but for all the wrong reasons after his IPL franchise RCB were at the centre of a failed and unplanned roadshow and victory celebration in Bengaluru, following their maiden IPL title win the other night. With countless fans flocking to the M Chinnaswamy stadium to get a glimpse of their franchise heroes, jubilation turned into a disaster, killing 11 people and injuring 33 others in a stampede. No hype for India’s tour of England Although there is plenty to ponder on the new-look squad ahead of the five-match Test series, with the series holding significance on several grounds, the same energy, however, wasn’t felt outside. Besides, in a video doing the rounds on social media, Indian journalist Vimal Kumar said, "I did not get to see that hype. Not a single fan or media personnel was seen." Check out the Video –

A new-look Indian Team landed in the UK for the marquee five-match Test series on Saturday (June 7); however, the vibe and their welcome were different from how it was on their arrival in Adelaide on their previous away tour.

Former Australia great Ricky Ponting reviews BCCI’s appointment of Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, replacing now-retired opener Rohit Sharma. Ponting, perhaps the most successful skipper of his time, having won two World Cups and as many Champions Trophy titles besides winning countless crucial tournaments all over, feels Gill has shown enough leadership skills during his time as the Gujarat Titans skipper in IPL to deserve his promotion in the Test side.&nbsp;Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee handpicked Gill to lead India’s new Test side ahead of ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah, who doesn’t remain a sure starter in all Tests due to his workload management. Speaking on the same lines, Ponting said it’s the right move to hand over the baton to Gill instead of Bumrah, as a team cannot have a captain coming in and missing games for whatever reason.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bengaluru-stampede-top-kca-officials-take-moral-responsibility-submit-resignations-1749281713761">Bengaluru stampede: Top KSCA officials take moral responsibility, submit resignations</a> &nbsp;"I actually think it's the right move," Ponting said while speaking on The ICC Review. "I know there's a lot of other people out there, pundits out there saying they can't understand why it wasn't Bumrah and why they have gone to Shubman, but I think it's pretty simple.” &nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah has missed plenty of cricket action this year, including the first showpiece event in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to his persistent back injury. His injury woes forced the selectors to look beyond him as the captaincy option, despite him leading India to its only win on their past away tour Down Under. Even considering his game awareness, the selectors had to let go of this option in picking Rohit’s successor in Tests. &nbsp;"Bumrah's injuries are holding him back a bit in the last couple of years, and you don't want that with a captain. You can't have a captain coming in and missing games here and there, so I think it's I think it's the right decision,” Ponting continued. "Now that they've made it, it's one they've got to stick with and give him a good crack at it for, for a long period of time.”<h2>Ponting pinpoints captain’s role in the team &nbsp;</h2>Having led by example during his time, Ponting understands what the primary roles of a team captain are, and for a batter, scoring runs all the time leads the chart.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Even just looking back at the way he's handled this current GT (Gujarat Titans) team through this IPL, I think leadership sits really well with him. &nbsp;"And the important thing for me with leadership, as well as if you're a batter and you're a captain, you have to be scoring runs. And Shubman is doing that in IPL, and I think the timing is right, and I think you'll have a good captain who’ll make a lot of Test runs going forward,” Ponting noted.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will lead the new-look Indian Team in the five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds.&nbsp;

‘I think leadership sits well with him,’ Ponting reviews Shubman Gill’s appointment as India Test captain

Former Australia great Ricky Ponting reviews BCCI’s appointment of Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, replacing now-retired opener Rohit Sharma. Ponting, perhaps the most successful skipper of his time, having won two World Cups and as many Champions Trophy titles besides winning countless crucial tournaments all over, feels Gill has shown enough leadership skills during his time as the Gujarat Titans skipper in IPL to deserve his promotion in the Test side. Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee handpicked Gill to lead India’s new Test side ahead of ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah, who doesn’t remain a sure starter in all Tests due to his workload management. Speaking on the same lines, Ponting said it’s the right move to hand over the baton to Gill instead of Bumrah, as a team cannot have a captain coming in and missing games for whatever reason. Also read | Bengaluru stampede: Top KSCA officials take moral responsibility, submit resignations "I actually think it's the right move," Ponting said while speaking on The ICC Review. "I know there's a lot of other people out there, pundits out there saying they can't understand why it wasn't Bumrah and why they have gone to Shubman, but I think it's pretty simple.” Jasprit Bumrah has missed plenty of cricket action this year, including the first showpiece event in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to his persistent back injury. His injury woes forced the selectors to look beyond him as the captaincy option, despite him leading India to its only win on their past away tour Down Under. Even considering his game awareness, the selectors had to let go of this option in picking Rohit’s successor in Tests. "Bumrah's injuries are holding him back a bit in the last couple of years, and you don't want that with a captain. You can't have a captain coming in and missing games here and there, so I think it's I think it's the right decision,” Ponting continued. "Now that they've made it, it's one they've got to stick with and give him a good crack at it for, for a long period of time.” Ponting pinpoints captain’s role in the team Having led by example during his time, Ponting understands what the primary roles of a team captain are, and for a batter, scoring runs all the time leads the chart. "Even just looking back at the way he's handled this current GT (Gujarat Titans) team through this IPL, I think leadership sits really well with him. "And the important thing for me with leadership, as well as if you're a batter and you're a captain, you have to be scoring runs. And Shubman is doing that in IPL, and I think the timing is right, and I think you'll have a good captain who’ll make a lot of Test runs going forward,” Ponting noted. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will lead the new-look Indian Team in the five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds.

Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee handpicked Gill to lead India’s new Test side ahead of ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah, who doesn’t remain a sure starter in all Tests due to his workload management.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer could make his long-awaited Test return as soon as next month's second match against India, selector Luke Wright said on Thursday. A 14-man squad will travel to Headingley for the first of a five-match series, with Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton and Jacob Bethell all included after missing England's rout of Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge last month.&nbsp;Archer was not considered for the first Test against India due to a broken thumb suffered while fielding in the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-shubman-gill-gautam-gambhir-underline-factors-surrounding-jasprit-bumrah-availability-for-england-tests-1749199817348">Gill, Gautam underline factors surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for England Tests</a>&nbsp;It was the latest in a long line of injuries -- mainly to his elbow and back -- that have kept him out of Test action for more than four years.&nbsp;Despite his lengthy absence from red-ball internationals, express quick Archer is still regarded as a potential match-winner when England look to regain the Ashes in Australia during a 2025/26 tour.&nbsp;England now have a plan to get Archer ready for the second Test against India at Edgbaston in early July that would see the Barbados-born 30-year-old featuring for Sussex's 2nd XI, followed by a County Championship game against Durham starting on June 22.&nbsp;If Archer comes through both matches with a clean bill of health, he could yet add to his tally of 13 Test caps after launching his international career in spectacular style in 2019 when he helped England win the 50-over World Cup and starred in a drawn Ashes series.&nbsp;"If things go well, he should be available for the second Test," Wright told reporters. "He's got to keep ticking off every day and getting no sort of setbacks, but if all goes well and Jofra gets through that Durham game, then he's available potentially for selection for that second Test.&nbsp;"We'll watch him in that game for Sussex and see where he's at. He's such a talent, it doesn't take him too long to get up to speed."&nbsp;England, with Gus Atkinson absent following a hamstring strain sustained during the Zimbabwe game, are expected to opt for a pace attack of Carse, Woakes and Josh Tongue in the first Test against India.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

ENG vs IND 2025: Boost for England as Jofra Archer in line for Test return after four years

England fast bowler Jofra Archer could make his long-awaited Test return as soon as next month's second match against India, selector Luke Wright said on Thursday. A 14-man squad will travel to Headingley for the first of a five-match series, with Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton and Jacob Bethell all included after missing England's rout of Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge last month. Archer was not considered for the first Test against India due to a broken thumb suffered while fielding in the Indian Premier League. Also read | Gill, Gautam underline factors surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for England Tests It was the latest in a long line of injuries -- mainly to his elbow and back -- that have kept him out of Test action for more than four years. Despite his lengthy absence from red-ball internationals, express quick Archer is still regarded as a potential match-winner when England look to regain the Ashes in Australia during a 2025/26 tour. England now have a plan to get Archer ready for the second Test against India at Edgbaston in early July that would see the Barbados-born 30-year-old featuring for Sussex's 2nd XI, followed by a County Championship game against Durham starting on June 22. If Archer comes through both matches with a clean bill of health, he could yet add to his tally of 13 Test caps after launching his international career in spectacular style in 2019 when he helped England win the 50-over World Cup and starred in a drawn Ashes series. "If things go well, he should be available for the second Test," Wright told reporters. "He's got to keep ticking off every day and getting no sort of setbacks, but if all goes well and Jofra gets through that Durham game, then he's available potentially for selection for that second Test. "We'll watch him in that game for Sussex and see where he's at. He's such a talent, it doesn't take him too long to get up to speed." England, with Gus Atkinson absent following a hamstring strain sustained during the Zimbabwe game, are expected to opt for a pace attack of Carse, Woakes and Josh Tongue in the first Test against India. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Archer was not considered for the first Test against India due to a broken thumb suffered while fielding in the Indian Premier League.

India Test captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir have underlined several factors that will determine Jasprit Bumrah’s playing time on the forthcoming England tour. With the first of the five Tests beginning June 20 in Leeds, the Indian Team will bank on Bumrah to help them deliver the first punch, like how he did on their previous away tour Down Under.&nbsp;Though Bumrah excelled against Australia in Australia, picking 32 wickets in four matches before suffering a back injury that ruled him out of the final SCG Test, the team doctors have advised him against playing all games, or rather several on the trot, to avoid getting into the same position.&nbsp;Even during the squad announcement for the England tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed what the doctors said about man managing Bumrah's workload in the upcoming series.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-it-s-tough-to-fill-gaps-but-there-s-no-different-pressure-as-such-shubman-gill-on-his-debut-away-tour-as-india-captain-1749197261982">‘It’s tough to fill gaps but there’s no different pressure as such,’ Shubman Gill on his debut away tour as India captain</a> &nbsp;"We haven't taken that call, which three games is he going to play," Gambhir said during a pre-departure press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "We are going to have a discussion with him, and depending on the series as well. A lot will depend on the results of the series, where the series is heading. That is something which I am sure he is very well aware of as well, and that is important.” &nbsp;However, considering Bumrah can play only three or at max four Tests against England, the head coach and the skipper are confident of maintaining the quality of the bowling attack, having picked several top seamers in Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and even uncapped quick Arshdeep Singh. The touring team even have backup options in Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy. &nbsp;"I think we have picked enough bowlers, and we have enough pace battery, and a lot of fast bowlers are in a great space to be able to win us Test matches from any situation or any position," Gill said. "Obviously, when you have someone like Jasprit Bumrah, depending on how many matches he would play, whenever he would come back and play the match for us, it would be a great sight for us. But I think we have a great mix of bowlers and a great set of bowlers who can get the job for the team done.&nbsp;"I have said it before during the Champions Trophy (which Bumrah missed and India won) as well, it will give someone the opportunity to put his hand up, and we have got enough talent there. I know that he is quality, but we have got enough quality apart from him as well in the squad," the new Test captain added.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s away tour of England is the first series of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and will not feature three Indian superstars – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, who all announced Test retirements earlier. Test specialist Mohammed Shami will also miss the five-match series due to workload management.&nbsp;

Gill, Gautam underline factors surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for England Tests

India Test captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir have underlined several factors that will determine Jasprit Bumrah’s playing time on the forthcoming England tour. With the first of the five Tests beginning June 20 in Leeds, the Indian Team will bank on Bumrah to help them deliver the first punch, like how he did on their previous away tour Down Under. Though Bumrah excelled against Australia in Australia, picking 32 wickets in four matches before suffering a back injury that ruled him out of the final SCG Test, the team doctors have advised him against playing all games, or rather several on the trot, to avoid getting into the same position. Even during the squad announcement for the England tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed what the doctors said about man managing Bumrah's workload in the upcoming series. Also read | ‘It’s tough to fill gaps but there’s no different pressure as such,’ Shubman Gill on his debut away tour as India captain "We haven't taken that call, which three games is he going to play," Gambhir said during a pre-departure press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "We are going to have a discussion with him, and depending on the series as well. A lot will depend on the results of the series, where the series is heading. That is something which I am sure he is very well aware of as well, and that is important.” However, considering Bumrah can play only three or at max four Tests against England, the head coach and the skipper are confident of maintaining the quality of the bowling attack, having picked several top seamers in Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and even uncapped quick Arshdeep Singh. The touring team even have backup options in Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy. "I think we have picked enough bowlers, and we have enough pace battery, and a lot of fast bowlers are in a great space to be able to win us Test matches from any situation or any position," Gill said. "Obviously, when you have someone like Jasprit Bumrah, depending on how many matches he would play, whenever he would come back and play the match for us, it would be a great sight for us. But I think we have a great mix of bowlers and a great set of bowlers who can get the job for the team done. "I have said it before during the Champions Trophy (which Bumrah missed and India won) as well, it will give someone the opportunity to put his hand up, and we have got enough talent there. I know that he is quality, but we have got enough quality apart from him as well in the squad," the new Test captain added. Meanwhile, India’s away tour of England is the first series of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and will not feature three Indian superstars – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, who all announced Test retirements earlier. Test specialist Mohammed Shami will also miss the five-match series due to workload management.

During the squad announcement for the England tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed what the doctors said about managing Bumrah's workload in the upcoming series.

Shubman Gill wants to keep his style of captaincy and relationship with his teammates transparent as he gears up to embrace a new journey as the Indian Test captain with an away tour of England starting June 20 in Leeds. Gill, 25, replaced Rohit Sharma, who announced his Test retirement midway through IPL 2025, becoming the country’s 37th Test skipper. With Rohit and Virat Kohli bowing out of red-ball cricket, Gill understands the need to fill their spots but takes no pressure in doing so.&nbsp;Ahead of departing for England for the five-match Test series, Gill and all-format head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media. Answering one of the questions about taking the pressure to deliver on his maiden tour as the new Test captain, Gill said,&nbsp; &nbsp;"There is pressure on every tour. It's tough to fill the gaps left by the experienced players who won us so many matches over the years. But there's no different pressure as such. There's pressure in every series, and all the players are used to playing and trying to win under pressure. I think the combination of batting and bowling in our team is a very good mix of experience and talent,” Gill remarked.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-tour-of-england-shubman-gill-ready-to-set-benchmark-as-captain-says-want-to-lead-by-example-1749177119546">India tour of England: Shubman Gill ready to set benchmark as captain, says ‘want to lead by example’</a> &nbsp;While the India-A squad was already in England as part of the scheduled shadow tour, which included two unofficial matches against England Lions and an intra-squad match with the Indian Test team, a handful of the Test squad players, including KL Rahul, linked up with them to prepare for the marquee series.&nbsp; &nbsp;Since the remaining squad members have around two weeks to get ready for the first series of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Gill feels a ten-day training camp in London, including the three-day intra-squad game, would help him formulate the best XI for the Leeds Test. &nbsp;"We haven't really decided on the [batting order], we still have some time," Gill said. “We will be playing an intra-squad match [from June 13 to 16], and I think we will be having a 10-day camp in London. So we still have a little bit of time, and I think we can decide on the batting order once we go there.”<h2>On England’s Bazball &nbsp;</h2>England has deployed a certain brand of cricket, played over the eras and across formats, named Bazball, where they go all out against the opposition, leaving much for everyone to pick from. Though they failed to win in India with their formula the last time, they are upbeat about maintaining their winning streak at home against the Indians. &nbsp;Speaking on Bazball and the idea behind tackling it, Gill said, "Yes, they play a certain way. I think we saw that when they came to India as well. But I think it's very exciting for us, it gives us an opportunity, and I think it's a great challenge. If we are very proactive with our execution and if we are proactive with our plans, I think it would put them under pressure immensely."&nbsp;

‘It’s tough to fill gaps but there’s no different pressure as such,’ Shubman Gill on his debut away tour as India captain

Shubman Gill wants to keep his style of captaincy and relationship with his teammates transparent as he gears up to embrace a new journey as the Indian Test captain with an away tour of England starting June 20 in Leeds. Gill, 25, replaced Rohit Sharma, who announced his Test retirement midway through IPL 2025, becoming the country’s 37th Test skipper. With Rohit and Virat Kohli bowing out of red-ball cricket, Gill understands the need to fill their spots but takes no pressure in doing so. Ahead of departing for England for the five-match Test series, Gill and all-format head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media. Answering one of the questions about taking the pressure to deliver on his maiden tour as the new Test captain, Gill said, "There is pressure on every tour. It's tough to fill the gaps left by the experienced players who won us so many matches over the years. But there's no different pressure as such. There's pressure in every series, and all the players are used to playing and trying to win under pressure. I think the combination of batting and bowling in our team is a very good mix of experience and talent,” Gill remarked. Also read | India tour of England: Shubman Gill ready to set benchmark as captain, says ‘want to lead by example’ While the India-A squad was already in England as part of the scheduled shadow tour, which included two unofficial matches against England Lions and an intra-squad match with the Indian Test team, a handful of the Test squad players, including KL Rahul, linked up with them to prepare for the marquee series. Since the remaining squad members have around two weeks to get ready for the first series of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Gill feels a ten-day training camp in London, including the three-day intra-squad game, would help him formulate the best XI for the Leeds Test. "We haven't really decided on the [batting order], we still have some time," Gill said. “We will be playing an intra-squad match [from June 13 to 16], and I think we will be having a 10-day camp in London. So we still have a little bit of time, and I think we can decide on the batting order once we go there.” On England’s Bazball England has deployed a certain brand of cricket, played over the eras and across formats, named Bazball, where they go all out against the opposition, leaving much for everyone to pick from. Though they failed to win in India with their formula the last time, they are upbeat about maintaining their winning streak at home against the Indians. Speaking on Bazball and the idea behind tackling it, Gill said, "Yes, they play a certain way. I think we saw that when they came to India as well. But I think it's very exciting for us, it gives us an opportunity, and I think it's a great challenge. If we are very proactive with our execution and if we are proactive with our plans, I think it would put them under pressure immensely."

With Rohit and Virat Kohli bowing out of red-ball cricket, Gill understands the need to fill their spots but takes no pressure in doing so.

England has announced a 14-man squad for the first Test against India starting June 20 in Leeds. The hosts have recalled lanky all-rounder Jamie Overton as Gus Atkinson’s replacement for the series opener, alongside naming batter Jacob Bethell and seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes. Pacer Brydon Carse also returns to the Test side after missing the one-off game against Zimbabwe due to a niggle.<h2>England squad for the first Test vs India – &nbsp;</h2>Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-2025-final-steve-smith-feels-at-home-in-australia-first-training-session-in-uk-as-pat-cummins-confirms-his-batting-position-south-africa-1749106512588">WTC 2025 Final: Smith feels at home in first training session in UK as Cummins confirms his batting position</a> &nbsp;While there was no mention of seamer Jofra Archer, who also missed the cut with a thumb injury, Overton’s inclusion raises a few eyebrows. The England all-rounder had played just one Test to date, at the same venue three years ago against New Zealand, hitting 97 and picking a wicket in each inning. Having played just three County matches since the start of last season, Overton comes ahead of Matthew Pott as seam-bowling cover. &nbsp;While Archer and Atkinson could return in contention from the second game onwards, England will miss the services of ace quicks in Mark Wood and Olly Stone, who are out of the India Tests. &nbsp;Meanwhile, batter Bethell returned to the Test side having missed England’s previous game against Zimbabwe at the Trent Bridge due to IPL commitments. He, however, played in the three-match ODIs against West Indies, which they won 3-0. His inclusion increases the selection headache for captain Ben Stokes, who now has to find a way to include his best players in the XI for the Leeds Test against India. &nbsp;While Woakes and Tongue are back from their respective injuries and will feature for England Lions in their second shadow tour game against India-A to prepare for the marquee series, seamer Sam Cook, who made his Test debut against Zimbabwe, also retained his place. He, however, is expected to start as cover for the seniors.&nbsp; &nbsp;The five-match series begins at Headingley before the action moves on Edgbaston, Lord’s and Old Trafford for the remaining three matches, with The Oval hosting the final game of the series.&nbsp; &nbsp;On the other hand, India, who hasn’t won a Test series in the UK since 2007, have asked some of their senior team members to play the second warm-up game in Northampton this week to prepare for the series while the remaining squad members leave for England this Friday (June 6).&nbsp;

Bethell, Woakes named in England squad for first Test against India; hosts recall all-rounder Overton

England has announced a 14-man squad for the first Test against India starting June 20 in Leeds. The hosts have recalled lanky all-rounder Jamie Overton as Gus Atkinson’s replacement for the series opener, alongside naming batter Jacob Bethell and seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes. Pacer Brydon Carse also returns to the Test side after missing the one-off game against Zimbabwe due to a niggle. England squad for the first Test vs India – Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes Also read | WTC 2025 Final: Smith feels at home in first training session in UK as Cummins confirms his batting position While there was no mention of seamer Jofra Archer, who also missed the cut with a thumb injury, Overton’s inclusion raises a few eyebrows. The England all-rounder had played just one Test to date, at the same venue three years ago against New Zealand, hitting 97 and picking a wicket in each inning. Having played just three County matches since the start of last season, Overton comes ahead of Matthew Pott as seam-bowling cover. While Archer and Atkinson could return in contention from the second game onwards, England will miss the services of ace quicks in Mark Wood and Olly Stone, who are out of the India Tests. Meanwhile, batter Bethell returned to the Test side having missed England’s previous game against Zimbabwe at the Trent Bridge due to IPL commitments. He, however, played in the three-match ODIs against West Indies, which they won 3-0. His inclusion increases the selection headache for captain Ben Stokes, who now has to find a way to include his best players in the XI for the Leeds Test against India. While Woakes and Tongue are back from their respective injuries and will feature for England Lions in their second shadow tour game against India-A to prepare for the marquee series, seamer Sam Cook, who made his Test debut against Zimbabwe, also retained his place. He, however, is expected to start as cover for the seniors. The five-match series begins at Headingley before the action moves on Edgbaston, Lord’s and Old Trafford for the remaining three matches, with The Oval hosting the final game of the series. On the other hand, India, who hasn’t won a Test series in the UK since 2007, have asked some of their senior team members to play the second warm-up game in Northampton this week to prepare for the series while the remaining squad members leave for England this Friday (June 6).

Pacer Brydon Carse also returns to the Test side after missing the one-off game against Zimbabwe due to a niggle.

Amid the ongoing IPL 2025 playoffs, some movement is occurring in the UK within the India-A squad ahead of their warm-up fixtures, starting Friday (May 30). Per the latest report, a key member of the senior team picked for the five-match Test series against England will link up with the A squad to get much-needed practice ahead of the challenging tour. While a few are busy with the IPL knockouts, those scheduled to travel in different batches are gearing up for the Test series.&nbsp;Ace batter KL Rahul will join the India-A squad in the UK and play the second warm-up match against England Lions in Northampton beginning June 6. Per an Indian Express report, Rahul will fly to England on Monday (June 2), earlier before the main squad leaves for the tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-we-have-lost-the-battle-but-not-the-war-pbks-captain-shreyas-iyer-not-ready-to-drop-guard-despite-qualifier-1-thrashing-rcb-1748595606502">‘We have lost the battle but not the war’: PBKS captain Iyer not ready to drop guard despite Qualifier 1 thrashing</a> &nbsp;Part of the 18-man squad for England Tests, Rahul has informed BCCI of his decision to play the second practice match following his IPL team, Delhi Capitals’ exit from the ongoing season. &nbsp;“He will be flying on Monday and will be playing a second warm-up game with the India A side. As he is part of the senior men’s team, which will be playing five Test matches in the series, these matches will give him game time and match practice,” a BCCI source close to the information said, as&nbsp;quoted by the Indian Express. &nbsp;While India-A begins their shadow tour in Canterbury, a full-strength Indian team will play them in an intra-squad match in Beckenham on June 13 before facing England in the first Test in Leeds starting June 20. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Rahul played as an opener on India’s last away tour against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in five Tests at an average of 30.66, including two fifties. Although his first game heroics (26 and 77) helped India win the Perth Test, he failed to maximise his form in the remaining matches, where, after Rohit Sharma’s return to the side, his position shuffled across, leading to instability and thus lack of runs.

Key senior team batter included in India-A squad for second warm up game in England

Amid the ongoing IPL 2025 playoffs, some movement is occurring in the UK within the India-A squad ahead of their warm-up fixtures, starting Friday (May 30). Per the latest report, a key member of the senior team picked for the five-match Test series against England will link up with the A squad to get much-needed practice ahead of the challenging tour. While a few are busy with the IPL knockouts, those scheduled to travel in different batches are gearing up for the Test series. Ace batter KL Rahul will join the India-A squad in the UK and play the second warm-up match against England Lions in Northampton beginning June 6. Per an Indian Express report, Rahul will fly to England on Monday (June 2), earlier before the main squad leaves for the tour. Also read | ‘We have lost the battle but not the war’: PBKS captain Iyer not ready to drop guard despite Qualifier 1 thrashing Part of the 18-man squad for England Tests, Rahul has informed BCCI of his decision to play the second practice match following his IPL team, Delhi Capitals’ exit from the ongoing season. “He will be flying on Monday and will be playing a second warm-up game with the India A side. As he is part of the senior men’s team, which will be playing five Test matches in the series, these matches will give him game time and match practice,” a BCCI source close to the information said, as quoted by the Indian Express. While India-A begins their shadow tour in Canterbury, a full-strength Indian team will play them in an intra-squad match in Beckenham on June 13 before facing England in the first Test in Leeds starting June 20. Meanwhile, Rahul played as an opener on India’s last away tour against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in five Tests at an average of 30.66, including two fifties. Although his first game heroics (26 and 77) helped India win the Perth Test, he failed to maximise his form in the remaining matches, where, after Rohit Sharma’s return to the side, his position shuffled across, leading to instability and thus lack of runs.

While a few are busy with the IPL knockouts, those scheduled to travel in different batches are gearing up for the Test series.

Key senior team batter included in India-A squad for second warm-up game in England

Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picked two uncapped players for the forthcoming England tour, including batter Sai Sudharsan and seamer Arshdeep Singh. While the cricket community welcomed their selection, some doubts have been raised lately over Sai’s inclusion in the 18-man squad for the five Tests starting June 20 in Leeds.&nbsp;Sai's former Tamil Nadu coach, Sulakshan Kulkarni, has expressed dissatisfaction over his technique in the challenging English conditions, ringing warning bells for Team India. Although the left-handed batter continues to make headlines in the ongoing IPL 2025, leading the run-scoring chart, hitting 679 runs in 14 contested matches thus far, Kulkarni feels his natural game could restrict him from scoring runs on seam-friendly pitches.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-cricket-no-sai-sudharsan-three-openers-and-captain-gill-in-cheteshwar-pujara-top-four-for-england-tests-1748257041166">No Sai Sudharsan, three openers and captain Gill in Pujara’s top four for England Tests</a> &nbsp;Sai’s IPL records in the past two years, alongside his first-class records, wherein he scored 1957 runs from 29 matches, make him a deserving candidate for the upcoming Test series, especially in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s absence. His former coach, however, warned the selectors of making a dicey call by picking an under-cooker, Sai Sudharsan, for the England tour. &nbsp;“His domestic record is not great. When I was the coach, I saw him play on a seaming track in at least two matches. And he didn’t play well there. His technique against the moving ball needs to improve,” Kulkarni said in an exclusive chat with Times of India (TOI).&nbsp; &nbsp;Detailing where he feels Sai could lag in England, his ex-coach said that the left-hander tends to play away from his body, contradicting the whole mantra of succeeding in those conditions. His ex-coach also warned him against playing across more, urging him to play straight and closer to his body.&nbsp; &nbsp;“He has a tendency of playing away from the body, while the secret of success in England is to play late and play the ball right under your nose. He has to curb some of his strokes and should play straight and close to the body. He has to work to get the technique right before the tour,” Kulkarni concluded. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Sudharsan has spent some time with Surrey in the English county across two seasons (2023 and 2024), averaging close to 35. During his last stint with the County side, Sudharsan hit his maiden FC hundred in England while batting at number six.&nbsp; &nbsp;He, however, would likely bat inside the top four if given a chance on the UK tour.&nbsp;

Warning bells ring for Team India ahead of the ENG Tests as Sai Sudharsan’s ex-coach drops worrying concerns

Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picked two uncapped players for the forthcoming England tour, including batter Sai Sudharsan and seamer Arshdeep Singh. While the cricket community welcomed their selection, some doubts have been raised lately over Sai’s inclusion in the 18-man squad for the five Tests starting June 20 in Leeds. Sai's former Tamil Nadu coach, Sulakshan Kulkarni, has expressed dissatisfaction over his technique in the challenging English conditions, ringing warning bells for Team India. Although the left-handed batter continues to make headlines in the ongoing IPL 2025, leading the run-scoring chart, hitting 679 runs in 14 contested matches thus far, Kulkarni feels his natural game could restrict him from scoring runs on seam-friendly pitches. Also read | No Sai Sudharsan, three openers and captain Gill in Pujara’s top four for England Tests Sai’s IPL records in the past two years, alongside his first-class records, wherein he scored 1957 runs from 29 matches, make him a deserving candidate for the upcoming Test series, especially in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s absence. His former coach, however, warned the selectors of making a dicey call by picking an under-cooker, Sai Sudharsan, for the England tour. “His domestic record is not great. When I was the coach, I saw him play on a seaming track in at least two matches. And he didn’t play well there. His technique against the moving ball needs to improve,” Kulkarni said in an exclusive chat with Times of India (TOI). Detailing where he feels Sai could lag in England, his ex-coach said that the left-hander tends to play away from his body, contradicting the whole mantra of succeeding in those conditions. His ex-coach also warned him against playing across more, urging him to play straight and closer to his body. “He has a tendency of playing away from the body, while the secret of success in England is to play late and play the ball right under your nose. He has to curb some of his strokes and should play straight and close to the body. He has to work to get the technique right before the tour,” Kulkarni concluded. Meanwhile, Sudharsan has spent some time with Surrey in the English county across two seasons (2023 and 2024), averaging close to 35. During his last stint with the County side, Sudharsan hit his maiden FC hundred in England while batting at number six. He, however, would likely bat inside the top four if given a chance on the UK tour.

Although the left-handed batter continues to make headlines in the ongoing IPL 2025, leading the run-scoring chart, Kulkarni feels his natural game could restrict him from scoring runs on seam-friendly pitches.

As Shubman Gill embarks on a new journey as Team India’s Test captain, his former teammate and red-ball veteran Cheteshwar Pujara throws his weight behind him to succeed. Gill, 25, replaced Rohit Sharma as the Test captain, with the men’s selection committee appointing gloveman Rishabh Pant as his deputy. With the forthcoming England Test series being Gill’s first assignment as the new skipper, Pujara reminded him of opening his batting horizon to succeed in those challenging conditions.&nbsp;Gill is not new to the English conditions, having played both WTC Finals (2021 and 2023) and the rescheduled fifth Test against England from the 2021 tour, held in Birmingham in 2022. Besides, he had a brief stint with the County side Glamorgan. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Pujara feels that while preparing for the challenging UK tour, Gill would embrace his new captaincy role and understand how, by knowing when and where to score runs, he would expand his scoring shots, helping his white-ball game too. &nbsp;“When he goes to England, and when he starts his preparation, he will understand that these are the shots, which he can play while the ball is new. Plus, there are some shots which you need to avoid when the ball is new, and it's swinging or seaming around a bit. I would say it's very similar to what you get in Australia, where the ball does a bit more for the first 25-30 overs, and then it settles down a bit,” Pujara said during a chat show on Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster for India’s tour of England 2025. &nbsp;Pujara suggested he increase his scoring rate once the shine is away and the ball is older, which makes it easier to score runs. However, he warned Gill against scoring runs right when the ball is new. &nbsp;“So, once the ball gets old, you, as a batter, you can play a few more shots. But if he is batting at number 3 or 4 and India loses one or two wickets early on, then he might have to change his game a bit. He is capable enough to do that, and once he goes there, I am sure he will understand what he has to do,” he added. &nbsp;Meanwhile, what keeps everyone interested is how Team India’s top four would shape up in the five-match series. Commenting on the same, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-cricket-no-sai-sudharsan-three-openers-and-captain-gill-in-cheteshwar-pujara-top-four-for-england-tests-1748257041166">Pujara feels Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul should continue playing at the top</a> while backing Gill to stick to his number three position. For the fourth slot, he picked Karun Nair.&nbsp;

England tour preparation would help Gill embrace Test captaincy and redefine his batting Pujara

As Shubman Gill embarks on a new journey as Team India’s Test captain, his former teammate and red-ball veteran Cheteshwar Pujara throws his weight behind him to succeed. Gill, 25, replaced Rohit Sharma as the Test captain, with the men’s selection committee appointing gloveman Rishabh Pant as his deputy. With the forthcoming England Test series being Gill’s first assignment as the new skipper, Pujara reminded him of opening his batting horizon to succeed in those challenging conditions. Gill is not new to the English conditions, having played both WTC Finals (2021 and 2023) and the rescheduled fifth Test against England from the 2021 tour, held in Birmingham in 2022. Besides, he had a brief stint with the County side Glamorgan. Meanwhile, Pujara feels that while preparing for the challenging UK tour, Gill would embrace his new captaincy role and understand how, by knowing when and where to score runs, he would expand his scoring shots, helping his white-ball game too. “When he goes to England, and when he starts his preparation, he will understand that these are the shots, which he can play while the ball is new. Plus, there are some shots which you need to avoid when the ball is new, and it's swinging or seaming around a bit. I would say it's very similar to what you get in Australia, where the ball does a bit more for the first 25-30 overs, and then it settles down a bit,” Pujara said during a chat show on Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster for India’s tour of England 2025. Pujara suggested he increase his scoring rate once the shine is away and the ball is older, which makes it easier to score runs. However, he warned Gill against scoring runs right when the ball is new. “So, once the ball gets old, you, as a batter, you can play a few more shots. But if he is batting at number 3 or 4 and India loses one or two wickets early on, then he might have to change his game a bit. He is capable enough to do that, and once he goes there, I am sure he will understand what he has to do,” he added. Meanwhile, what keeps everyone interested is how Team India’s top four would shape up in the five-match series. Commenting on the same, Pujara feels Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul should continue playing at the top while backing Gill to stick to his number three position. For the fourth slot, he picked Karun Nair.

Gill is not new to the English conditions, having played both WTC Finals (2021 and 2023) and the rescheduled fifth Test against England from the 2021 tour, held in Birmingham in 2022.&nbsp;

England tour preparation would help Gill embrace Test captaincy and redefine his batting: Pujara

The BCCI men’s selection committee picked a new-look 18-man squad for the England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds. In Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s absence owing to their Test retirement, the selectors picked ace batter Shubman Gill as the new Test skipper, with gloveman Rishabh Pant as his deputy. Meanwhile, Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara voiced his opinion on Team India’s possible top four for the five-match Test series, including three openers and captain Gill.&nbsp;India’s top order shuffled a bit during their previous tour Down Under. Although KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were the most successful pair of all, having stitched a match-winning partnership in the series opener in Perth, Rohit’s return to the side forced selectors to make a change for a game later in the series. Now that Rohit has retired, Rahul and Jaiswal might continue at the top in England, even in Pujara’s top four.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-2025-shubman-gill-reacts-to-india-test-captaincy-role-urges-to-bring-best-out-of-players-1748179884038">Shubman Gill reacts to India’s Test captaincy role, urges to bring best out of players</a> &nbsp;Speaking of the number third and fourth slots, Pujara said the question remains around Gill’s batting position, and unless it's cleared, it’s hard to pick the best number three for those seaming conditions. Although Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair’s selection suggested that selectors are keen on having a technically sound batter playing inside the top four, Pujara differs here, throwing a new name for the position he excelled in during his playing days. &nbsp;"The openers who batted in Australia in the BGT series - KL Rahul and Yashasvi should continue. Now talking about no.3, at this stage, we don't know whether Shubman will bat there or drop down to No.4," Pujara said during a chat show on Sony Sports Network.&nbsp; &nbsp;Pujara said if Gill bats at number four, one of Abhimanyu Eshwaran or Karun Nair could play at three. He, however, expressed his preference on where Gill should bat in the Test team. &nbsp;"If Shubman bats at No.4, then someone like Abhimanyu Eshwaran or Karun Nair could be a good fit at that position, but I would still like to see Shubman batting at No.3," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Someone like Karun who has done very well in domestic cricket, I think the ideal position for Karun would be No.4. If Shubman bats at No.3, then Karun Nair comes at No.4. If Shubman bats at No.4, then at No.3 it would be a choice between Abhimanyu Eshwaran or Sai Sudharsan.”<h3>India’s Test squad for England series – &nbsp;</h3>Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav

No Sai Sudharsan, three openers and captain Gill in Pujara’s top four for England Tests

The BCCI men’s selection committee picked a new-look 18-man squad for the England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds. In Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s absence owing to their Test retirement, the selectors picked ace batter Shubman Gill as the new Test skipper, with gloveman Rishabh Pant as his deputy. Meanwhile, Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara voiced his opinion on Team India’s possible top four for the five-match Test series, including three openers and captain Gill. India’s top order shuffled a bit during their previous tour Down Under. Although KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were the most successful pair of all, having stitched a match-winning partnership in the series opener in Perth, Rohit’s return to the side forced selectors to make a change for a game later in the series. Now that Rohit has retired, Rahul and Jaiswal might continue at the top in England, even in Pujara’s top four. Also read | Shubman Gill reacts to India’s Test captaincy role, urges to bring best out of players Speaking of the number third and fourth slots, Pujara said the question remains around Gill’s batting position, and unless it's cleared, it’s hard to pick the best number three for those seaming conditions. Although Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair’s selection suggested that selectors are keen on having a technically sound batter playing inside the top four, Pujara differs here, throwing a new name for the position he excelled in during his playing days. "The openers who batted in Australia in the BGT series - KL Rahul and Yashasvi should continue. Now talking about no.3, at this stage, we don't know whether Shubman will bat there or drop down to No.4," Pujara said during a chat show on Sony Sports Network. Pujara said if Gill bats at number four, one of Abhimanyu Eshwaran or Karun Nair could play at three. He, however, expressed his preference on where Gill should bat in the Test team. "If Shubman bats at No.4, then someone like Abhimanyu Eshwaran or Karun Nair could be a good fit at that position, but I would still like to see Shubman batting at No.3," he added. "Someone like Karun who has done very well in domestic cricket, I think the ideal position for Karun would be No.4. If Shubman bats at No.3, then Karun Nair comes at No.4. If Shubman bats at No.4, then at No.3 it would be a choice between Abhimanyu Eshwaran or Sai Sudharsan.” India’s Test squad for England series – Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav

Speaking of the number third and fourth slots, Pujara said the question remains around Gill’s batting position, and unless it's cleared, it’s hard to pick the best number three for those seaming conditions.

The BCCI men’s selection committee appointed Shubman Gill as the new Test captain. The decision came on the back of Rohit Sharma’s shock Test retirement, forcing the selectors to bring his successor before the away England series. While Rohit and Virat Kohli’s absence from the 18-man squad picked on Saturday (May 24) saw new faces emerging on the Test scene, including Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, Gill’s selection begins a new era of Indian Cricket.&nbsp;Gill, 25, will start his captaincy tenure with a challenging tour of England, which also is the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. As he leads the new-look Indian Test team, Gill underlined the importance of gelling with his teammates and developing an understanding beyond the game.&nbsp; &nbsp;"As a captain, a leader should be able to know when to step in but also when to give space to the players, because everyone has kind of had a different life and grown up differently," Gill said exclusively to BCCI.tv.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Everyone has a different personality, so a good leader should always be able to know what makes his players to be able to have the best performance or the best outcome. &nbsp;"That is always exciting to be able to have those conversations with the players, to be able to know them on a deeper level than just cricket, because then you're really able to know what can get the best out of them,” he continued.<h2>‘Fortunate to lead India in Tests’ &nbsp;</h2>Growing up, Gill idolised several Indian greats, and as life had it, he went on to play for the Men in Blue. Having the chance to play with Rohit and Virat across formats and now leading the team in Tests, Gill feels fortunate to experience this. &nbsp;"When I was a kid, always inspired by the greats and the legends of Indian cricket and been very fortunate to be able to play with so many of them be it Virat bhai or Rohit bhai," he said. "Both were very contrasting in terms of their style, but it was very inspiring to see both of them working towards a common goal. &nbsp;"You want to be able to win as a captain, and your styles can be different, but they both were very different but also similar in their own sense. Virat bhai was always very aggressive, always wanting to lead from the front with hunger and passion, whereas, Rohit bhai was also aggressive, but you might not see that on their reaction or on their expressions, but he was also someone who was always very attacking on the field,” he continued.

Shubman Gill reacts to India’s Test captaincy role urges to bring best out of players

The BCCI men’s selection committee appointed Shubman Gill as the new Test captain. The decision came on the back of Rohit Sharma’s shock Test retirement, forcing the selectors to bring his successor before the away England series. While Rohit and Virat Kohli’s absence from the 18-man squad picked on Saturday (May 24) saw new faces emerging on the Test scene, including Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, Gill’s selection begins a new era of Indian Cricket. Gill, 25, will start his captaincy tenure with a challenging tour of England, which also is the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. As he leads the new-look Indian Test team, Gill underlined the importance of gelling with his teammates and developing an understanding beyond the game. "As a captain, a leader should be able to know when to step in but also when to give space to the players, because everyone has kind of had a different life and grown up differently," Gill said exclusively to BCCI.tv. "Everyone has a different personality, so a good leader should always be able to know what makes his players to be able to have the best performance or the best outcome. "That is always exciting to be able to have those conversations with the players, to be able to know them on a deeper level than just cricket, because then you're really able to know what can get the best out of them,” he continued. ‘Fortunate to lead India in Tests’ Growing up, Gill idolised several Indian greats, and as life had it, he went on to play for the Men in Blue. Having the chance to play with Rohit and Virat across formats and now leading the team in Tests, Gill feels fortunate to experience this. "When I was a kid, always inspired by the greats and the legends of Indian cricket and been very fortunate to be able to play with so many of them be it Virat bhai or Rohit bhai," he said. "Both were very contrasting in terms of their style, but it was very inspiring to see both of them working towards a common goal. "You want to be able to win as a captain, and your styles can be different, but they both were very different but also similar in their own sense. Virat bhai was always very aggressive, always wanting to lead from the front with hunger and passion, whereas, Rohit bhai was also aggressive, but you might not see that on their reaction or on their expressions, but he was also someone who was always very attacking on the field,” he continued.

Gill, 25, will start his captaincy tenure with a challenging tour of England, which also is the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Shubman Gill reacts to India’s Test captaincy role, urges to bring best out of players

Sai Sudharsan earned his maiden India Test call-up for the forthcoming England series, and to him, it’s nothing less than surreal. Speaking for the first time since getting picked in the 18-man squad for the five-match Test series starting June 20 in Leeds, Sai said he realised his ultimate goal to play Test cricket. He also addressed the elephant in the room – his batting position.&nbsp;"It obviously feels great. Feels very special, to be honest, and surreal also. Any cricketer, any young cricketer who starts playing cricket, wants to play Test cricket, wants to play for the country," Sai said on the eve of the Gujarat Titans' match against the Chennai Super Kings. "The ultimate goal is always to play Test cricket. So really happy for that."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-eng-vs-ind-2025-ajit-agarkar-breaks-silence-on-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-test-retirement-calls-urges-fans-to-respect-it-and-move-on-1748094137496">Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Virat and Rohit’s Test retirement calls, urges fans to ‘respect it and move on’</a> &nbsp;Following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test retirements, Sai would likely make up for the new-look top-four in Test cricket. Although he usually opens for his state team (Tamil Nadu) in Ranji Trophy – India’s premier domestic tournament, he is willing to bat anywhere his team wants him to, further backing his mentality and skillset to deliver. &nbsp;“I think playing for the country itself is a very big privilege for a cricketer. So I don't think I am in a position to choose where I want to play," Sai replied when asked about his potential batting position in Tests.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Wherever the coaches tell me to play, I think I will be mentally and obviously skillfully, you know, try and be ready for the opportunity. &nbsp;"I have a lot of likings. I think I will have to be ready for whichever [position] the team gives me. I will be ready for that,” he continued.<h2>Sai congratulates Gill on the new role &nbsp;</h2>Batting alongside Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL for two years, Sai congratulated his partner on getting appointed as Team India’s new Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I mean, Shubhi (Shubman) is, over the years, I have been a part of his growth as well. I have seen him for the last four years. Such a talented batsman, such a skilful batsman, anybody can see. &nbsp;"So, I feel he will definitely do laurels and great things for the country, and I am grateful, and I am very happy to play under him in my first Test series,” Sai continued. &nbsp;However, before he and Gill join the India-A squad for their second four-day game of the shadow England tour (against England Lions in Northampton starting June 6), Sai has some unfinished business in IPL 2025, where he leads the run-scoring chart (638 runs) in 13 contested matches thus far. Besides, his team also stays in contention for a top-two finish.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I always feel, finish the first story, then go to the next one, because now the IPL is also most important when we are in the IPL," he said. "So, I think it is also most important of finishing this and then, obviously, we will have time to prepare. So I will use that bracket of days so that we will be ready for the Test series."

Special and surreal Sai Sudharsan reacts to his maiden Test call up for England series

Sai Sudharsan earned his maiden India Test call-up for the forthcoming England series, and to him, it’s nothing less than surreal. Speaking for the first time since getting picked in the 18-man squad for the five-match Test series starting June 20 in Leeds, Sai said he realised his ultimate goal to play Test cricket. He also addressed the elephant in the room – his batting position. "It obviously feels great. Feels very special, to be honest, and surreal also. Any cricketer, any young cricketer who starts playing cricket, wants to play Test cricket, wants to play for the country," Sai said on the eve of the Gujarat Titans' match against the Chennai Super Kings. "The ultimate goal is always to play Test cricket. So really happy for that." Also read | Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Virat and Rohit’s Test retirement calls, urges fans to ‘respect it and move on’ Following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test retirements, Sai would likely make up for the new-look top-four in Test cricket. Although he usually opens for his state team (Tamil Nadu) in Ranji Trophy – India’s premier domestic tournament, he is willing to bat anywhere his team wants him to, further backing his mentality and skillset to deliver. “I think playing for the country itself is a very big privilege for a cricketer. So I don't think I am in a position to choose where I want to play," Sai replied when asked about his potential batting position in Tests. "Wherever the coaches tell me to play, I think I will be mentally and obviously skillfully, you know, try and be ready for the opportunity. "I have a lot of likings. I think I will have to be ready for whichever [position] the team gives me. I will be ready for that,” he continued. Sai congratulates Gill on the new role Batting alongside Shubman Gill at the top of the order for Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL for two years, Sai congratulated his partner on getting appointed as Team India’s new Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma. "I mean, Shubhi (Shubman) is, over the years, I have been a part of his growth as well. I have seen him for the last four years. Such a talented batsman, such a skilful batsman, anybody can see. "So, I feel he will definitely do laurels and great things for the country, and I am grateful, and I am very happy to play under him in my first Test series,” Sai continued. However, before he and Gill join the India-A squad for their second four-day game of the shadow England tour (against England Lions in Northampton starting June 6), Sai has some unfinished business in IPL 2025, where he leads the run-scoring chart (638 runs) in 13 contested matches thus far. Besides, his team also stays in contention for a top-two finish. "I always feel, finish the first story, then go to the next one, because now the IPL is also most important when we are in the IPL," he said. "So, I think it is also most important of finishing this and then, obviously, we will have time to prepare. So I will use that bracket of days so that we will be ready for the Test series."

Following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test retirements, Sai would likely make up for the new-look top-four in Test cricket.

‘Special and surreal’: Sai Sudharsan reacts to his maiden Test call-up for England series

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their Test retirements earlier in May, sending the cricketing world into a frenzy. While concerns around Rohit’s fitness and form in red-ball cricket continued to magnify with each passing series, making sense as to why he retired, Kohli’s Test retirement call shocked all.&nbsp;With both absent from the Test squad for the away England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds, chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke on their retirements for the first time since, urging fans to respect it and move on.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-eng-vs-ind-2025-mohammed-shami-jasprit-bumrah-head-selector-ajit-agarkar-warns-fans-of-double-blow-in-tests-1748089531466">First Shami and now Bumrah – Chief selector Agarkar warns fans of double blow in ENG Tests</a> &nbsp;Agarkar-led selection panel picked ace batter Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor in Tests, naming him the new Test captain.&nbsp; &nbsp;During the presser in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon (May 24), Agarkar revealed it was during April when Virat reached out to him and informed him about wanting to do away with Tests. &nbsp;"Virat reached out early April and said he wants to finish," Agarkar said during the presser.&nbsp; &nbsp;"We've seen him give 200% to every ball that he plays, even when he is not batting or he's in the field. He probably felt that he had given everything that he had, and if he can't keep up to the standards that he set for himself over the years and how good he had been, and maybe it was time for him. &nbsp;"It has come from him. You've got to respect that. They have earned that respect, both of them. As all great players are, the one thing there is, they are true to themselves, and he was in that conversation. So you've got to respect that. We'll obviously miss [Kohli] when you've got a guy who's played 123 Test matches, 30 Test hundreds, it's going to be tough to fill,” he continued.<h2>No talks around Rohit’s retirement talk &nbsp;</h2>Although he shed light on the whole episode surrounding Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, Agarkar shared no details on what prompted former skipper Rohit to call time on his red-ball career.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, he remained focused on how the younger breed of superstars are ready to take Indian Cricket forward, with the away England series their first assignment without Rohit, Kohli and even Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his Test retirement after the third Test Down Under in Brisbane.&nbsp; &nbsp;"When guys like that retire, it's always going to be big holes to fill," Agarkar said. &nbsp;"Ashwin retired a few months back as well, so those three guys are stalwarts of our cricket. It's always difficult. One way of looking at it is an opportunity for someone else. They've left a legacy behind. &nbsp;"Needless to say, Rohit has been a leader over the last couple of years since he started leading in the Test matches. It is a new cycle, so it is an opportunity to build something for us as well. That's why I think we've got to show them the respect that they want instead of speculating too many things. It is sometimes a personal call with players , and you've got to respect that, and their performances over the years have shown in the amount of games that they've won for India,” he added.

Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Virat and Rohit Test retirement calls urges fans to respect it and move on

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their Test retirements earlier in May, sending the cricketing world into a frenzy. While concerns around Rohit’s fitness and form in red-ball cricket continued to magnify with each passing series, making sense as to why he retired, Kohli’s Test retirement call shocked all. With both absent from the Test squad for the away England Tests starting June 20 in Leeds, chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke on their retirements for the first time since, urging fans to respect it and move on. Also read | First Shami and now Bumrah – Chief selector Agarkar warns fans of double blow in ENG Tests Agarkar-led selection panel picked ace batter Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor in Tests, naming him the new Test captain. During the presser in Mumbai on Saturday afternoon (May 24), Agarkar revealed it was during April when Virat reached out to him and informed him about wanting to do away with Tests. "Virat reached out early April and said he wants to finish," Agarkar said during the presser. "We've seen him give 200% to every ball that he plays, even when he is not batting or he's in the field. He probably felt that he had given everything that he had, and if he can't keep up to the standards that he set for himself over the years and how good he had been, and maybe it was time for him. "It has come from him. You've got to respect that. They have earned that respect, both of them. As all great players are, the one thing there is, they are true to themselves, and he was in that conversation. So you've got to respect that. We'll obviously miss [Kohli] when you've got a guy who's played 123 Test matches, 30 Test hundreds, it's going to be tough to fill,” he continued. No talks around Rohit’s retirement talk Although he shed light on the whole episode surrounding Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, Agarkar shared no details on what prompted former skipper Rohit to call time on his red-ball career. However, he remained focused on how the younger breed of superstars are ready to take Indian Cricket forward, with the away England series their first assignment without Rohit, Kohli and even Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his Test retirement after the third Test Down Under in Brisbane. "When guys like that retire, it's always going to be big holes to fill," Agarkar said. "Ashwin retired a few months back as well, so those three guys are stalwarts of our cricket. It's always difficult. One way of looking at it is an opportunity for someone else. They've left a legacy behind. "Needless to say, Rohit has been a leader over the last couple of years since he started leading in the Test matches. It is a new cycle, so it is an opportunity to build something for us as well. That's why I think we've got to show them the respect that they want instead of speculating too many things. It is sometimes a personal call with players , and you've got to respect that, and their performances over the years have shown in the amount of games that they've won for India,” he added.

Agarkar-led selection panel picked ace batter Shubman Gill as Rohit’s successor in Tests, naming him the new Test captain.&nbsp;

Ajit Agarkar breaks silence on Virat and Rohit’s Test retirement calls, urges fans to ‘respect it and move on’

eng-vs-ind-2025

Eng Vs Ind 2025, News on Eng Vs Ind 2025, stories on Eng Vs Ind 2025, articles on Eng Vs Ind 2025, Eng Vs Ind 2025 stories at Wion, Eng Vs Ind 2025 news, Eng Vs Ind 2025 latest news

eng vs-ind-2025