[WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Team India touches down in London to an empty airport welcome

On Saturday, June 7, India's men's cricket team arrived in the UK for the five-match Test series against England that they anticipate. This series marks the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams. With seniors Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from Test cricket, it marks the beginning of a new era under Shubman Gill's captaincy. The team includes a lot of new faces, lending a sense of change and excitement as the team prepares to face England in difficult home conditions.

Departing from Mumbai on Friday, the Indian contingent reached London over the weekend. The BCCI shared a behind-the-scenes video that showcases the players' travel journey and arrival at Heathrow Airport. In the clip, Jasprit Bumrah was seen playfully teasing skipper Gill for sporting sunglasses at night. Meanwhile, young batter B Sai Sudharsan, who received his first-ever Test call-up, shared his excitement about being part of the tour.

 "Excited to be part of the Indian Test team. Welcome to the UK," the stylish left-hand batter said in the video.

Watch the video here;

See Also: ENG Lions vs IND A, 2nd Unofficial Test Day 1 Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test

No crowd to welcome Indian Cricket Team 

Typically, whenever the Indian cricket team travels abroad, massive crowds of fans and media eagerly await their arrival at airports and team hotels. However, this time in London, the scene was notably subdued. Reports indicate that only a limited number of media representatives and a small group of fans showed up to welcome the squad upon their arrival. The quiet reception was in stark contrast to the usual enthusiastic turnout, especially considering the significance of this tour as India embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of Shubman Gill.

Prior to the Test series with serious demands and expectations, India are expected to play a four-day warm-up match against India A to help them orient their preparation. Interestingly, a few of the members of the main squad had already been in the UK when they played India A games to get used to English conditions. The five-Test series will take place from June to August 2025, at venues such as Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord's, The Oval and Old Trafford.

India Squad for England Tour