India Vs England Dispatch: Gambhir Back In Leeds; Who Will Bat At No. 4 To Fill Kohli Void?

The countdown is nearly over. India’s tour of England begins in just two days, with the first Test kicking off on June 20 at Headingley, the heart of Yorkshire cricket. June 18 isn’t easing into it either, it’s all action, all angles, with plenty to unpack ahead of India vs England, first Test.

Here’s your essential round-up:

On This Day In 1983

On 18 June 1983, at Tunbridge Wells, Kapil Dev produced one of the greatest innings in ODI history, an unbeaten 175 off 138 balls against Zimbabwe. With India tottering at 17 for 5 in a must-win World Cup match, Kapil’s fearless counter-attack turned the game on its head.

His knock, laced with 16 fours and 6 sixes, was then the highest individual score in ODIs and played a crucial role in keeping India’s 1983 World Cup dream alive.

Who Will Bat At Number 4?

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant on Wednesday confirmed that Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4 in the upcoming Test series against England, while he himself will continue at No. 5. With Virat Kohli’s retirement leaving a vacancy at No. 4, Gill now takes over the crucial spot. Pant added that while spots three and below are still being discussed, positions four and five are settled for now.

Three Things That Scream England: Cricket Edition

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave fans a lighthearted glimpse into the team’s mindset with a fun video shared on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday.

In the clip, Indian players were asked to name the first three things that come to mind when they think of England, and the answers ranged from the classic to the quirky.

Carse Backs India’s Depth Despite Kohli-Rohit Absence

England pacer Brydon Carse believes India will still pose a strong challenge in the upcoming Test series despite the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both veterans announced their retirement from Test cricket in May, leaving a relatively younger Indian squad to take on England.

Speaking to reporters on June 18, Carse acknowledged the void left by Kohli and Rohit but praised India’s bench strength. “They’ll be big losses, no doubt. But there are some quality players coming through. India have enough depth to put up a serious fight,” he said. The pacer added that England are prepared for whatever the visitors bring when the series begins on June 20 at Headingley.

Gautam Gambhir Is Back With Team India

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has rejoined the squad in England after the former had flown back home to be with his mother who had suffered an hear attack on June 11. As per reports, Gambhir's mother had been taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

India kick off their WTC 2025-27 campaign with the first Test against England at Headingley on June 20 at 3:30pm IST.