Watch: Indian cricket team arrives in Leeds ahead of first Test against England

The Indian cricket team arrived in Leeds on June 17, 2025, to face off in the first Test of a five-match series against England on June 20 at Headingley Stadium. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the team marks a new generation following the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. A video posted on social media of the team's arrival and a dynamic photoshoot in Beckenham, filled with laughter and bonding. Harshit Rana, the young pacer with great promise, was also included in the team, strengthening India's back pacer attack.

The squad concluded preparation with a practice match in Beckenham, adjusting to England's harsh conditions. Key players like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja sharpened their skills, while Gill worked on his batting. This series, as part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship, gives India a chance for a rare Test series win in England, which they haven’t done since under Rahul Dravid in 2007. With head coach Gautam Gambhir back, the squad’s morale is high.

India's team combines experience and youth with the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Nitish Kumar Reddy sharing the pitch with veterans. However, England, led by Ben Stokes and mentored by Brendon McCullum, is a formidable task, having remained unbeaten in home Test series since 2022. The Headingley track, which is sure to favor a first-innings total of about 300, promises a fierce contest.

A New Chapter for Indian Cricket

Under Gill’s leadership, India aims to overcome their historical struggles in England, where they’ve won only three Test series in the last century. The young squad, backed by Gambhir’s strategic insights, is determined to make a mark.

Watch the video here

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The Leeds opener will be full of drama, with India's pace attack led by Bumrah and backup pacer Rana pitted against England's aggressive batsmen Joe Root and Ollie Pope. Supporters are looking for an exciting beginning to this centenary encounter.