As Team India prepares to begin its 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship campaign with a five-match series against England, the absence of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli marks a turning point in Indian cricket. New captain Shubman Gill is set to lead a younger, transitional side into Headingley for the series opener on June 20.
Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, India played a series of practice games — against the England Lions and in an intra-squad match — and there were plenty of learnings from those fixtures.
1. Karun Nair Stakes His Claim With A Commanding Double Ton
One of the standout performers in the warm-up fixtures was Karun Nair, who smashed a stunning 204 against the England Lions in Canterbury. With 26 fours and a six, the stylish right-hander reminded the selectors of his pedigree. The knock not only reignited his Test credentials but has almost certainly earned him a spot in the middle-order for the opening Test. His return could provide much-needed solidity and experience to India’s relatively fresh batting core.
2. Shardul Thakur Strengthens All-Rounder Case
Shardul Thakur produced a timely reminder of his value to the team by scoring an unbeaten 122 in the intra-squad game. While competition from Nitish Kumar Reddy remains, Thakur’s ability to deliver with both bat and ball, especially in seam-friendly conditions, gives him an edge. With pitches in England expected to assist fast bowlers, his seam-up bowling combined with this recent batting form may help him sneak into the playing XI.
3. Gill Looks In Touch, But Yet To Conquer English Conditions
Though Shubman Gill has had limited success in Test cricket in England — having played only during the 2021 series — he looked assured in the practice matches, including a composed half-century at Beckenham. After impressive campaigns in the Champions Trophy and IPL earlier this year, the Indian captain appears confident. However, conquering English conditions as a red-ball opener will be his biggest challenge yet.
4. Harshit Rana Impresses As A Backup Paceman
Not originally part of the main squad, Delhi quick Harshit Rana has been training with the senior side after being included in the India A outfit. Having debuted against Australia last year, Rana continues to gain experience in overseas conditions. His inclusion as backup adds depth to India’s pace arsenal, which will be critical in a long five-Test series.
5. Batting-Friendly Pitch At Lord’s, But Seamers Will Have A Say
Though India’s opener is at Headingley, insights from the recently concluded WTC Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s offer valuable context. Despite early collapses, the pitch allowed for quality batting later in the match, with Aiden Markram’s 136 sealing the win for the Proteas. India and England can expect similar surfaces — good for batting but offering help to seamers early on and turning later — especially during the third Test scheduled at Lord’s from July 10–14.
