Hosts to win the India vs England Test series? Dale Steyn makes bold prediction

The 2023-25 WTC Cycle came to a historic conclusion with South Africa picking up the title against Australia at Lord's. The focus now shifts to the new cycle, where India will take on England in a five-match Test series on English soil. The India vs England Test series will mark a significant transition for India, as the squad will be without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill will take charge as India's new Test captain, with the likes of Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran called up to fill the batting spots left by the veteran seniors. Meanwhile, as the date for commencement draws near, former South African speedster Dale Steyn has made a bold prediction.

Dale Steyn predicts English victory in the five-match India vs England Test series

Dale Steyn has backed England to emerge victorious in the much-anticipated five-Test series against India, starting June 20 at Headingley. India, entering a transition phase, will be without their stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have all stepped away from Test cricket. In their absence, 25-year-old Shubman Gill will take over the reins as captain of India in the whites. The venues for the contest include Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will serve as the vice-captain. 

Speaking about the India vs England series ahead, Steyn predicted a 3-2 result in favour of the home side. He noted that every match would be a tight contest, with no walkovers for either team, and anticipated a thrilling finish. Apart from the rawness of the Indian team, there is a record in England that shades India's standing in England. The touring Indian side is yet to win a Test series in England after their last victory in 2007.

“All games will be close. But all will have a result. I think it will be 3-2 in favour of England. There will be a result in every Test match. There will be no run away win for any team, all five games will be very close,” Steyn said.

Since Brendon McCullum took over as head coach, England have made their home turf a fortress, winning 15 of the 20 Tests played at home. Losing just four, with only one match ending in a draw, England has attracted much hype for their Bazball approach, a fearless, ultra-aggressive batting strategy. While Bazball has served well to the team at home, its effectiveness away from English conditions remains under scrutiny.