India Tour of England 2025: First batch set to depart, Shubman Gill emerges as front-runner

As the IPL playoffs approach, attention is also turning toward India's upcoming tour of England 2025. India’s squad for the England tour is yet to be officially announced, but the BCCI have zeroed in on the departure date for the first batch. As per a report by The Times of India, the first batch of the Indian squad will depart for England on 6th June 2025. The players who will be involved in the IPL 2025 commitments in the playoffs will depart later, in the next batch. 

“The players who get free from the IPL during the league stage are likely to leave with coach Gambhir on June 6. The rest will leave after a short break post the IPL 2025 commitments,” said a senior BCCI official. 

It has also been learnt that most of the members of the Indian coaching staff are not in India and will reach England directly. India’s tour of England 2025 begins on 20th June in Leeds. The second Test is scheduled from 2nd July to 6th July in Edgbaston, Birmingham. The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London will host the third Test between 10th and 14th July 2025. The fourth Test starts on 23rd July at the Emirates Old Trafford stadium, while Kennington Oval in London will play host to the fifth and final Test, scheduled to take place between 31st July and 4th August 2025. 

Is Shubman Gill the right choice to be India’s new Test captain?

As per the recent developments, Shubman Gill is seen as the ideal candidate to become India’s new Test captain. After legendary captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Tests, speculation has been swirling around India’s next Test skipper.

Jasprit Bumrah has proved his leadership acumen quite a few times in whites. He currently leads India’s pace attack, and several cricket pundits have backed him to take over the mantle. However, his tryst with injuries is proving to be a roadblock in becoming India's next Test captain. It is quite certain that the team management wouldn't risk him playing all the games in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. And, with BCCI aiming for a long-term view, Shubman Gill looks to be the ideal choice. Bumrah, however, should continue to be the vice-captain of the Test side. 

What happened when India last toured England for a Test series? 

The last Test series India played in England was back in 2021 under the captaincy of Virat Kohli. The first Test match of the series had resulted in a draw, but India stunned England in the second Test at Lord’s. Excellent performances from KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Mohammed Siraj led India to register a 151-run win and take a 1-0 lead. England, however, fought back by beating India by an innings and 76 runs in the third Test. 

Rohit Sharma’s spectacular knock of 127 off 256 balls headlined India’s victory in the fourth Test by 157 runs. It helped India take a 2-1 lead, hoping for a series win. India posted a massive 416-run total in the first innings of the final Test, setting up the right foundation. They eventually set a 378-run target for the hosts to level the series. India, however, had no answer to England’s onslaught as they chased down the target in just 76.4 overs, courtesy of spectacular centuries from Joe Root (142) and Jonny Bairstow (114). The series ended 2-2.

Who Can Replace Kohli and Rohit in England? 

Batting in English conditions in Test cricket is one of the biggest tests for a batter from the subcontinent. Last time around, they had experienced campaigners like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, etc. However, they don't have that luxury this time around. Shubman Gill, who has been touted as the next captain, doesn’t boast a great record in those conditions. The most experienced batter would be KL Rahul unless India don’t bring someone like Cheteshwar Pujara back into the Test fold. 

Following India’s Test series defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, an Indian Express report had stated that Gautam Gambhir wanted Cheteshwar Pujara to be in the squad, but the selectors decided otherwise. However, with Kohli and Rohit now retired, the Indian Test veteran Cheteshwar Pujara could be recalled for the England tour.