India vs England 1st Test 2025: Date, Time, Live Streaming and Team Preview

The much-awaited India vs England five-Test series kicks off on June 20, 2025, at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, UK. This series holds massive significance for both sides, not just because it begins the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, but also because it marks a new chapter in Indian Test cricket.

For Indian fans, the match will be especially historic as Shubman Gill officially begins his tenure as India’s full-time Test captain. At just 25 years old, Gill steps into the shoes of giants like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ashwin, all of whom have now retired from the format.

Where and How to Watch India vs England 1st Test

• Venue: Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds
• Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
• Match Time: 3:00 PM IST (Toss at 2:30 PM IST)
• Live Telecast in India: Sony Sports Network
• Live Streaming in India: JioHotstar
• Live Scores and Commentary: Crickit website

Whether you’re watching at home or following on the go, fans will have multiple options to enjoy every moment of this thrilling series opener.

Shubman Gill’s Leadership Debut: A Defining Moment

Gill’s promotion as Test captain reflects India’s future-oriented thinking. Although his experience — just 32 Tests and a batting average of 35.3 — may not scream “veteran,” cricketing experts see him as a smart, composed leader.

Former India coach Gary Kirsten described Gill as “mentally tough and technically sound,” while Australian great Matthew Hayden hailed him as a “natural leader in the making.”

As captain, Gill will need to make quick decisions, manage inexperienced players, and absorb the pressures of leadership, especially in foreign conditions.

Team India: Youth, Energy, and a Fresh Start

India’s Test squad represents a generation in transition. The absence of senior players has opened the door for a number of fresh faces to shine.

Expected Batting Line-up:

• KL Rahul (Opener)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opener)
• Shubman Gill (No. 3 & Captain)
• Sarfaraz Khan / Rajat Patidar (Middle order)
• Rishabh Pant (Vice-captain & Wicketkeeper)

Pant’s return from injury is a major boost. His aggressive style of play and experience will be invaluable to this youthful team.

Bowling Attack Without Ashwin and Shami

With Ravichandran Ashwin retired and Mohammed Shami sidelined due to injury, India will rely on a pace-dominated attack:

• Jasprit Bumrah (Lead pacer)
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Shardul Thakur
• Arshdeep Singh

Spin duties may fall to Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar, but conditions in Leeds are expected to favor seam.

England Look to Dominate at Home

England, led by Ben Stokes, enter the series with a solid mix of youth and experience. Familiar faces like Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and James Anderson provide a stable backbone, while rising stars like Harry Brook and Gus Atkinson add flair.

Stokes’ aggressive “Bazball” philosophy, combined with home advantage, makes England strong favorites, especially against a new-look Indian team.

However, they know that India’s depth and unpredictability can turn the tide quickly. Past series have shown that even underdogs can dominate when underestimated.

ICC World Test Championship: India vs England Points at Stake

The India vs England Test series marks the beginning of the WTC 2025–27 cycle. Every match in this series will directly influence the championship standings. For India, the India vs England battle is not only about winning matches — it’s about laying the foundation of a team that can remain competitive for the next decade.

Gill’s leadership, the return of Pant, and the emergence of fresh pacers like Arshdeep and Krishna could define India’s new cricketing era.

Final Thoughts

The India vs England 1st Test isn’t just another cricket match. It’s a symbolic moment — the end of one era and the dawn of another. With fresh energy, bold captaincy, and fierce competition, this Test promises entertainment, unpredictability, and the beginning of countless new rivalries.

India vs England: What Went Wrong for India in the Last Test Series? Full Breakdown & Key Lessons