India vs England Tour 2025: A New Era Without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Led by Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah
By Crick tv
Created at Jun 06, 2025 03:28 PM
The India vs England Test series 2025, set to commence on June 20, marks a pivotal moment in Indian cricket as the team embarks on a five-match tour without two of its biggest stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With Shubman Gill appointed as the new Test captain and Jasprit Bumrah anchoring the pace attack, this tour signals the dawn of a new era for Indian cricket. This article delves into the significance of this transition, the roles of these key players, and what fans can expect from this high-stakes series in the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship.
A Farewell to Legends: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Test Retirement
The retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket in May 2025 sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Kohli, who announced his retirement on May 12, left behind a legacy as India’s most successful Test captain, leading the team to 40 victories in 68 matches. His aggressive batting at No. 4, where he amassed 8,848 Test runs, including 29 centuries, set a benchmark for excellence. Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin noted that Kohli’s intensity in pressure situations made him a giant in the red-ball format, and his absence will be felt most acutely in Tests.
Rohit Sharma, retiring on May 7, stepped away after a challenging phase in the format. As an opener, he scored 4,000 Test runs and was instrumental in India’s recent successes, including the 2021 series in England. His decision to retire came after a string of low scores in Australia, prompting him to hand over the reins during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour expressed disappointment, believing both players had more to offer, but respected their personal decisions.
The absence of these two titans leaves massive voids in the batting lineup, particularly at the opening and No. 4 positions. Their combined 190 Tests of experience will be a challenge to replace, making this tour a stern test for the younger squad.
Shubman Gill: The New Captain Leading the Charge
At just 25, Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the captaincy, making him the fourth-youngest Test captain in India’s history. His appointment reflects the selectors’ faith in his leadership potential, honed through captaining Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2025 playoffs. Gill’s proactive approach and composure under pressure have earned him praise from peers and coaches, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, who sees him as the face of India’s new Test era.
However, Gill’s Test record in England is a concern, with only 88 runs in three matches at an average of 14.66. His versatility to bat at No. 3 or open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal will be crucial. With KL Rahul likely to anchor the opening slot, Gill may slot into the middle order, potentially at No. 3 or 4, to fill Kohli’s shoes. His recent IPL form, where he scored over 600 runs, suggests he’s in prime touch, but leading a young side against England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach will test his tactical acumen.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Pace Spearhead with a Point to Prove
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, remains the backbone of the bowling attack. Despite being a strong contender for captaincy after leading India to a 295-run win in Perth against Australia, concerns over his fitness and workload management led to Gill’s appointment. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed Bumrah may not play all five Tests, with the team planning to manage his workload carefully, potentially limiting him to three or four matches.
Bumrah’s performance in Australia, where he bowled 141.2 overs and shouldered the pace attack in Mohammed Shami’s absence, underscored his importance. His ability to swing the ball in English conditions, combined with his lethal yorkers and bouncers, makes him a formidable threat. However, the selectors’ decision to overlook him for captaincy has sparked debate, with former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar advocating for Bumrah, dismissing workload concerns and emphasizing his proven leadership.
With Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and debutant Arshdeep Singh in the pace unit, Bumrah’s role extends beyond bowling—he’ll be a mentor to this relatively inexperienced group. His absence in any Test could expose India’s bowling depth, especially on England’s seaming pitches.
The Series Context: India vs England 2025
The five-match Test series, starting June 20 in Leeds and concluding August 4 in London, is part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. India’s historical record in England is modest, with only three series wins in 93 years, the last under Ajit Wadekar in 1971. The 2021 series ended in a 2-2 draw, showcasing India’s resilience but also England’s home dominance.
Without Kohli, Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin (who also retired in 2025), India’s squad relies on youth. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to open, with Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair vying for middle-order spots. Rishabh Pant, named vice-captain, will be key with his explosive batting and wicketkeeping. The spin department, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, will face scrutiny on pitches less conducive to spin than in India.
England, under Ben Stokes’ aggressive leadership, will challenge India with their “Bazball” philosophy, as seen in their 2024 India tour where they won the first Test but lost the series 4-1. India’s ability to adapt to swinging conditions and counter England’s attacking batting will define their success.
Challenges and Opportunities for India
The absence of Kohli and Sharma places immense pressure on Gill to lead a relatively inexperienced side. The batting lineup, featuring young talents like Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy, must fill the void left by the veterans. Sudharsan, a breakout star in IPL 2025, is tipped to open or bat at No. 3, while Reddy’s all-round ability adds balance.
Bumrah’s workload management is another challenge. Without Mohammed Shami, who was surprisingly excluded from the squad despite his experience, the pace attack’s depth will be tested. The inclusion of Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer with 66 first-class wickets, signals India’s intent to experiment, but his lack of Test experience could be a gamble.
On the flip side, this tour offers a golden opportunity for youngsters to cement their places. Gill’s leadership will be under the microscope, and a successful series could establish him as a long-term captain. Pant’s role as vice-captain and his flair in Tests could ignite the middle order, while Bumrah’s bowling prowess could exploit England’s batting frailties.
What to Expect from the Tour
The India vs England 2025 series promises high drama, with India’s new-look team facing a formidable England side on their home turf. Shubman Gill’s captaincy debut will be closely watched, as will Jasprit Bumrah’s ability to lead the bowling attack. The absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for a new generation to shine.
As Gautam Gambhir noted at a recent media conclave, playing without Kohli and Sharma will be tough, but it’s a chance for youngsters to showcase their potential. Fans can expect intense battles, especially at venues like Lord’s and Leeds, where conditions favor pace and swing. India’s success will hinge on Gill’s tactical nous, Bumrah’s fitness, and the ability of young batters to withstand England’s aggressive approach.
Conclusion
The India vs England Test series 2025 is more than just a cricketing contest—it’s a defining moment for Indian cricket. Without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the spotlight falls on Shubman Gill to lead and Jasprit Bumrah to deliver with the ball. As India navigates this transition, the series will test their resilience and reveal whether this young squad can carry forward the legacy of their predecessors. Cricket fans worldwide will be glued to their screens, eager to witness the birth of a new chapter in Indian Test cricket.
