India vs England Test Series: A Challenge and Opportunity

By Shah Faisal 

There are few contests in cricket that promise as much intrigue, emotion, and endurance as an India-England Test series. But this time, the stage feels different. 

 
No Virat Kohli, no James Anderson, no Stuart Broad. The names that once framed this rivalry have stepped away, leaving behind a canvas that’s fresh, uncertain, and full of questions. 

For both teams, the 2025 series will be less about settling old scores and more about writing new chapters. And that might just make it more fascinating. 

India Without Kohli: New Shoulders, New Weight 

For the first time in over a decade, India will walk into a Test series without Kohli’s presence in the batting order or the dressing room. It’s a strange sight—and one that puts fresh weight on Shubman Gill’s shoulders. 

Gill, now leading the batting unit, isn’t new to pressure. But this series feels like the real test of his transition from talent to torchbearer. Alongside him, Sai Sudharsan, elegant and composed, gets a chance to grow into a role India desperately needs filled: solidity at the top. 

Karun Nair also returns, quietly but meaningfully. After years in the wilderness, he finds the door open again. Whether it stays that way might depend on how quickly he can settle back into rhythm. And with Rishabh Pant back in the mix, India’s middle order has that touch of spark and steel that England knows all too well. 

Opportunities for Thakur & Reddy 

It’s not just the batters who find themselves at the cusp. Shardul Thakur, a familiar face on England tours, has another shot at making his presence count. His knack for timely breakthroughs—and handy runs—could be key on these wickets. If he delivers, he might just carve himself a permanent place in India’s overseas plans. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy, young but already tested in Australia, is another to watch. He has the tools, the temperament, and the opportunity. India will hope he settles into his role with the quiet confidence he’s known for. 

India’s Pace Pack: Bumrah’s Burden, Siraj’s Grit 

With Shami missing, India’s pace attack leans heavily on Jasprit Bumrah. In many ways, this could be his defining series as a leader, not just of the bowling unit, but of the team’s intent. 

He won’t be alone. Mohammed Siraj, with his heart-on-sleeve energy, and Prasidh Krishna, still learning the ropes at this level, will be critical. If all three click, India’s attack could dominate. If not, the series could slip away quickly. 

England’s Rebuild: Woakes at the Helm, Brook in the Spotlight 

England, too, are entering a new cycle. Chris Woakes now leads a bowling unit that’s missing Anderson, Broad, Archer, and Mark Wood. It’s not just a new generation—it’s a new reality. 

Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton bring pace but have to perform in the absence of Anderson and Broad. They will have to break the game for England and maintain the pressure. This will be the first time that so much burden has fallen on inexperienced bowlers. Shoaib Bashir, the young spinner, will be up against a batting lineup known for playing spin well, even abroad. For Bashir, the challenge is steep, but the opportunity is real. Since the days of Graeme Swann and Moeen Ali, England has yearned for a match-winning home spinner. Could this be Bashir’s moment? 

Brook, Crawley, Root, and the Bazball Equation 

With the bat, England's fortunes will likely rest on the familiar shoulders of Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Root remains the technical heart of this lineup, while Stokes—the captain, the fighter—brings balance and belief. 

Harry Brook, however, is the wild card. Few players in world cricket today have the range and power he possesses. If he settles in, especially against someone like Bumrah, India will be on the back foot. But if he’s rushed, if the rhythm breaks, England could struggle for momentum. 

Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, products of the Bazball era, are dangerous but vulnerable. Crawley’s aggressive intent can hurt, but his consistency remains a question. Their start will set the tone, especially on seaming pitches. 

Pressure Points: England’s Attack, India’s Lower Order 

On balance, England’s bowling lacks the edge it once had. Without Anderson and Wood, they may struggle to take 20 wickets regularly. Woakes will have to shoulder that burden—and hope his young partners settle quickly. 

India’s bowlers, by contrast, are more suited to these conditions. But without a reliable fourth seamer or a spinner who can hold one end consistently, even they could tire out. The margins will be thin. 

The Verdict: A Series Built on Uncertainty 

This is a series without a script. No overwhelming favourites. No settled orders. Just two proud cricketing nations navigating transition—searching for new heroes. 

For India, the story might rest on whether Gill and Pant can carry the load. For England, the question is whether Brook and Woakes can rise above the pressure. 

Either way, expect drama. Expect spells of brilliance and long sessions of grind. Expect new faces to announce themselves.