India will take on England in a much awaited five-match Test series starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. This series begins the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. As the Men in Blue prepare for another tough challenge in England, let’s rewind and relive some of the finest batting efforts by Indian players on English soil in the 21st century.

Rahul Dravid (146 at The Oval, 2011)

The 2011 tour was a nightmare for India, ending in a 4-0 series defeat. But one man stood tall Rahul Dravid. Known as ‘The Wall’, Dravid was India’s best performer with the bat, scoring three centuries in the series. His unbeaten 146 runs at The Oval stood out. He opened the innings and carried his bat, facing 266 balls and hitting 20 boundaries in a historic day. Even though India lost the match and the series, Dravid’s fight and class shone through what he has and how he can play in crucial games.

Rohit Sharma (127 at The Oval, 2021)

Rohit Sharma answered all the questions about his overseas form with a calm and classy century at The Oval in 2021. In the fourth Test, India were 99 runs behind, and the pressure was on. But Rohit stayed focused, batted with patience, and scored a brilliant 127. His knock changed the course of the match and helped India take control. It was one of his best Test innings away from home.

KL Rahul (129 at Lord’s, 2021)

KL Rahul’s hundred at the Lord’s came in the second Test of the 2021 series. He, along with Rohit Sharma, gave India a strong start and pull down england, putting on 123 runs for the first wicket . Rahul’s knock of 129 came off 250 balls with 12 fours and a six. His calm and composed innings helped India post 364 in the first innings, and they went on to win the match by 151 runs. Scoring a century at Lord’s is always special and Rahul made it count.

Virat Kohli (149 at Edgbaston, 2018)

Before the 2018 series, critics discussed about Kohli’s ability to perform in England. He silenced them with a stunning 149 in the first Test at Edgbaston. India were in trouble at 54/2, but Kohli took charge and battled against the likes of Anderson and Broad. He smashed 22 fours and a six, fighting alone to keep India in the game. Though India lost the match by 31 runs and the series 4-1, Kohli’s knock is remembered as one of his finest away performances.

ALSO READ: What are the highest successful 200+ chases in Tests at Lord’s before SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final?

Ajinkya Rahane (103 at Lord’s, 2014)

India’s only win in the 2014 series came at Lord’s, thanks to a gutsy knock from Ajinkya Rahane. On a green, seaming pitch, Rahane scored a brave 103 off 154 balls. He hit 15 fours and a six, and stitched a crucial 90-run stand with Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His century helped India post 295 in the first innings, and they went on to win the match by 95 runs. It remains one of India’s most memorable wins in the overseas games.

As India gets ready for this high-stakes series, these past performances remind us of the kind of courage and skill needed to succeed in England. From Dravid’s rock-solid defence to Rahane’s cool-headed knock at Lord’s, Indian batters have shown they can rise to the occasion. With a new WTC cycle kicking off, fans will be hoping for more such magic as India aim to make history once again.

As Team India prepares for their England trip in 2025, the Sony Sports Network has released a nostalgic trailer of its upcoming show, Bharat Tum Chale Chalo, Kahani 2021-22 Ki. The special series will take fans back through India's unforgettable 2021 Test tour of England and give a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the preparation, passion, and perseverance of the players during one of the toughest overseas tours in recent memory.

The series of 2021 offered drama, brilliance, and resilience. While the series was scheduled to be a five-match series, only four matches were completed due to COVID-19 interruptions. At the time of the postponement, India led the series 2-1, and before the added fifth Test in 2022, England won the Test. Regardless of the outcome, many regarded India's performance in the 2021 leg to be the best of India's Test matches in history.

See Also: KSCA confirms June 4 RCB victory parade approved by Karnataka Government

Sony Sports' exclusive production is an in-depth exploration into the emotional and tactical aspects of the series. With interviews with former India head coach Ravi Shastri, ex-fielding coach R Sridhar, and commentary from actors such as Suniel Shetty, Nick Knight, Vivek Razdan, and Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma, the show promises to build a new narrative and visual concept of what made the series so memorable. Viewers should embrace an appetizing mix of storytelling and cricket aspects.

Watch the video here;

🥁🎬 Trailer dropped! Presenting a Sony Sports Network Originals, "Bharat Tum Chale Chalo, Kahani 2021-22 Ki" 🏏 🔥

A tale of grit, glory & unfinished business ⚔️

Watch it on Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV#BTCC #BharatTumChaleChalo… pic.twitter.com/apWj3EUH8O

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 5, 2025

Virat Kohli's team hurdle speech was the highlight

The 2021 tour was filled with unforgettable moments, especially during the iconic Lord’s Test, where India staged a remarkable comeback. A gritty partnership between tailenders Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami turned the game around, showcasing India’s fighting spirit. Virat Kohli’s fiery on-field comment, “For 60 overs, they should feel hell out there,” became one of the most talked-about highlights of the match. While the release date for the new docu-series is yet to be revealed, expectations are high, with many anticipating success similar to Bandon Mein Tha Dum, which covered the 2020–21 Australia tour.

In the future, India's 2025 tour of England includes a five-Test series set to run from June to August, where matches will occur at some of the famous cricket grounds in England: Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester. With a new Indian team and previous tours and legends in mind, fans from both teams will be keen to see at seeing where the next chapter of this great rivalry goes.

KL Rahul looked in great touch in his first match of the season in England, playing a calm yet study innings against the England Lions. After a good start, Rahul slowly got into his rhythm and started to play his shots with confidence. By Tea, he was unbeaten on 93 runs from 143 balls , just seven short of a well-deserved century.

He took his time early on, reaching his half-century in 102 balls. But once he got past fifty, Rahul looked much more comfortable at the crease. His strokes became fluent, and he started finding the gaps with ease. The England Lions bowlers, who had kept things tight early, began to feel the pressure as Rahul stepped up the pace.

India crossed the 200-run mark with Rahul leading the charge. His shot selection, footwork, and patience stood out. It was the kind of innings that reminded everyone of his experience and class especially in English conditions where batting can be tricky.

Play was delayed in the morning due to some lost time, but the teams tried to make up for it during the day. As the Tea break was taken after 52 overs, it was Rahul’s solid knock that stood as the highlight of the session. With just a few runs to go for a century, Rahul looks set for a big one. If he continues in this form, it will be a strong start to what could be a memorable tour for him.

ALSO READ: ENG vs IND: Like Jofra Archer, another speed star has chances to mark his return to Test cricket against India

Fans react as KL Rahul registers half century in second unofficial Test

Century for KL Rahul in an unofficial test vs England 🔥.

Woakes was bowling well and he played so well .

I think he's going to have a historic series for himself pic.twitter.com/WMAmsoYi7n

— 𝙰𝚍𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚑 (@Adwaith_Ro45) June 6, 2025

A Brilliant Century Innings Come To An End 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

KL Rahul departs for 116.

But he starts his English summer with a bang🔥🔥🔥

India A - 252/5 #ENGvsIND #IndiaA #KLRahul #EnglandLions #XtraTime pic.twitter.com/VxMw5cYW1l

— XtraTime (@xtratimeindia) June 6, 2025

KL Rahul used up his 'one test hundred per tour' quota in a practice match 😭 pic.twitter.com/094wWQg6JX

— carrington enjoyer (@ICT_Stan) June 6, 2025

What a show of pure dedication 🇮🇳
KL Rahul scores a gritty 116 runs off 168 balls in the unofficial Test against England Lions! 🙌🔥
Not just a hundred — it’s a statement. 💯#KLRahul #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/Rk0cdF109M

— Mishra ji 😎 (@Mishrrajee) June 6, 2025

"KL Rahul slams a brilliant century against England! 100*(151) Back with a bang! KL Rahul’s masterclass shuts down every doubt. #klrahul #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/TG5IiZvjx7

— Team Prachand ( टीम प्रचंड ) (@TeamPrachand_07) June 6, 2025

Team India is ready to begin a five-match Test series against England on June 20, 2025. This will be their first big red-ball series after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, the team is entering a new chapter. All eyes are on Shubman Gill, who is our new India’s new Test captain.

The BCCI announced the squad today. As fan's wait is completed, here are 3 players who deserve a spot in Team India’s Test squad for England tour.

1. Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan is a calm and cool batter, who has a fantastic season in the IPL 2025. He is the top run-scorer in the 2025 IPL with 638 runs and has shown that he can handle pressure well in tough situations. But it's not just T20 cricket where he’s done well Sai has also impressed in first-class matches, scoring 1,397 runs in 33 innings at an average of 42.33, including four centuries.

What works in his favor is his recent experience in England. He played county cricket and scored a century, he can handle swinging conditions. With good form and the right mindset, he deserves a shot in the Test team.

ALSO READ: Ajit Agarkar Gives Crucial Update on Jasprit Bumrah’s Availability for the Full England Tour

2. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer from Punjab, is already known for his sharp bowling in T20s. But he is improving in longer formats too. In the 2025 IPL, he took 16 wickets in 11 matches.

He played well in the English County Championship, where he used the conditions well with his swing bowling. In first-class cricket, Arshdeep has taken 66 wickets in 21 matches. His average of 30.37 shows there’s still room to grow, but he’s heading in the right direction. His recent time in England could make him a useful weapon for India in the Test series.

3. Karun Nair

Karun Nair is best remembered for his unbeaten triple century against England in 2016 a rare and special achievement. Since then, he hasn’t played many Tests, but he’s kept working hard in domestic cricket. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he scored over 700 runs at an average of 58.33, including three hundreds. He’s also played well for India A and recently had a solid stint in county cricket, where he looked confident and handled swing bowling nicely. Karun has experience, patience, and the ability to play long innings qualities that can help on a tough tour like this one.

As Indian cricket going to start a new Test era, it’s important to give chances to players who are in form, have the right platform, and know how to perform in different conditions. Sai Sudharsan, Arshdeep Singh, and Karun Nair are ready to show their skills and performance in the India vs England test series in 2025.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Jasprit Bumrah might not play all five Test matches on the England tour, which starts on June 20. Bumrah had recently led the Indian team when Rohit Sharma was not available, but this time, he has not been named captain. Instead, Shubman Gill will lead the side, with Rishabh Pant as the vice-captain.

Agarkar explained that the main reason behind this decision is to manage Bumrah’s workload. Since Bumrah has had injury issues in the past, the team doesn’t want to take any risks by making him play every game. To give the team more options, left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been added to the squad.

“Arshdeep is a quality bowler. He’s played county cricket, does well in domestic matches, and can swing the new ball. He’s tall and has done well in red-ball cricket over the last few years. Since Bumrah may not play all the matches, we wanted a bit of variety in the attack,” Agarkar said during the press conference.

ALSO READ: ENG vs IND: 5 Indian players to watch out for england series

Agarkar also spoke about why Karun Nair was picked over Sarfaraz Khan. Even though Sarfaraz scored a century in his debut Test, he hasn’t performed well since then. With Virat Kohli missing the tour, the team needed someone experienced in the middle order. Karun has been in good form recently and has played Test and county cricket as well.

“Sometimes, you have to make tough choices. Sarfaraz got a hundred in his first Test, but didn’t score much after that. Karun has scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket and has experience. With Virat not in the squad, we felt Karun’s experience would be helpful,” Agarkar explained.

According to recent reports, Team India might leave out experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami from the squad for the upcoming Test series against England. The final team will likely be announced on Saturday, and Shami could miss out due to fitness concerns.

As reported by Express Sports, Shami hasn’t fully recovered after his surgery and hasn’t passed the fitness tests set by the BCCI’s medical team. The selectors are unsure if he can bowl long spells, especially in tough English conditions.

🚨 INDIAN TEST TEAM UPDATE 🚨

- Arshdeep Singh or Anshul Kamboj likely to be picked for the five-match Test series against England. [Devendra Pandey from Express Sports] pic.twitter.com/KOSfY2Sjyo

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 23, 2025

With Jasprit Bumrah also likely to be rested for at least one match to manage his workload, the team wants fast bowlers who are fully fit and can play all five Tests if needed. Because of this, the selectors are looking at some fresh names. Shami’s poor performance in the recent IPL, where he took only six wickets in nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad and had a high economy rate of 11.23, also works against him.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: RCB vs SRH Match 65 - A Head to Head breakdown

In contrast, young pacers Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj have caught the eye with their strong performances in domestic cricket. Arshdeep, a left-arm bowler known for swinging the ball both ways, could be a real threat in English conditions. Meanwhile, Kamboj has been impressive in the Ranji Trophy, taking 34 wickets in just 12 innings with his consistent line and length. If picked, this will be the first time both Arshdeep and Kamboj feature in India’s Test squad a big opportunity for the rising talents.

In between the peak of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), BCCI is undergoing preparations for India's upcoming tour to England. The away Test series is set to be held within a couple of months, after the conclusion of IPL 2025. BCCI may think about reconstruction of the test side, especially after the humiliation on Australian soil during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

As per a recently published media report, multiple batsmen, who are doing extremely well in the ongoing IPL, can get a ticket to England. Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, who made a comeback in the limited-overs format for his nation, can make a return to the Test side as well.

As per the report, along with Iyer, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar and Gujarat Titans young opener Sai Sudharsan are also among the few in-form individuals who can be fortunate enough for a Test call-up.

Read More: IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma shares different thoughts than BCCI about Abhishek Nayar's acceptance

Iyer and Patidar haven’t participated in a Test match since early 2024, but they both have the experience to play against England.

Another big name Indian cricket fans are curious about is Karun Nair. The batter has played immensely well in domestic cricket (Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy) and now is making runs for Delhi Capitals, which can be under BCCI's consideration for the India vs England Test series. Along with these batters, Sarfaraz Khan can also find some room in the squad. 

India A will travel early for preparations 

It is possible that BCCI can send a 17-man squad to England for preparation. Before the main team's arrival in England, India A will be there for a couple of practice matches against England Lion, followed by an inter-squad match with the main team. It is claimed in the media report that BCCI can announce the squad in the middle of May. 

Indian Cricket Team are going to travel to England to play the bilateral series against England Cricket Team which starts on 20th June. The winner's Trophy which was presented was known as Pataudi Trophy. It was named after the Pataudi family which gave India the two best players and captain Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi [nicknamed Tiger Pataudi].  Both of them have great service to the Indian Cricket team. 
The Pataudi Trophy was awarded in 2007 to winners of a Test series played between India and England in England, the main cause of this was to commemorate 75 years after the first India vs England Test, but it's its beenbeingby about the ECB might be changing the trophy name, which has created a huge spark over this. Even a former Indian captain has shaded his voice against it. 

Read More: Ashish Nehra has shown his qualities..' - Former India legend heap praises Gujarat Titan's head coach for his game sense

Legend Sunil Gavaskar Upset Over ECB Decision
Despite widespread outrage for the ECB, even legendary batsman and former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has been vocal about it and has shown his disappointment with the action taken by the ECB. The legend says it clearly shows the lack of sensitivity towards the contributions made by the legendary Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi in the game. 

Do you know the story behind the #PataudiTrophy? 🏆

Well, here's @SanjanaGanesan to talk about its inception ahead of the 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 🤩#TeamIndia #ENGvIND #SirfSonyPeDikhega pic.twitter.com/VAgx67LLGD

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 29, 2022

He moves on saying The recent news that the ECB is going to retire the Pataudi Trophy, given to the winners of the Test series between England and India in England, is disturbing indeed. There may well be a new trophy named after more recent players, and here’s hoping that if an Indian player has been approached, he will have the good sense to politely decline so that tomorrow they may retire that too. 
The ECB is fully entitled to name the trophy after one of their own players, but I, along with loads of Indian cricket supporters, fervently hope that any other Indian cricketer will have the smarts to decline, lest history repeats itself as it has with the Pataudi Trophy. 
India To Play England In June
It stated that the Pataudi trophy was awarded during India's tour to England in 2007, India was the first winner of the trophy under the leadership of Rahul Dravid, who won the test series by 1-0 in, 3 match bilateral series, But after that the trophy has been mostly clinched by England, who won in 2011, 2014 and in 2018 too. The last test series played by these two teams ended in a draw. 

A recent report from Cricbuzz claimed that the Pataudi family had been informed by the ECB about the decision to retire the trophy. Now the test series played by these two teams will be not called as Pataudi Trophy. 

Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane played a very good innings and scored a hundred in his Quarter-final match of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Haryana. Batted very sensibly to reach his 41st first-class ton off a mere 160 balls with as many as 12 fours in the inning, which suggests Mumbai would be well-positioned throughout the game and hints Rahane was an expert in his trade with a lot of experience. 

A Crucial Performance by Mumbai
Mumbai was in a must-win situation and Rahane reached his century at the right time. Mumbai was in need of seniors to perform and Rahane did what was required at the top of his department. His calm and composure under pressure ensured that Mumbai trounced Haryana in the match

To BCCI Selectors
With that wonderful century Rahane has done you smell, BCCI selectors get back to the drawing board in terms of considering him fit for bigger tallers. Ahead of the India vs England Test series, the performance of Rahane might be of interest to national team selectors.

ALSO READ: Chhattisgarh T20 League: A Gateway for Young Cricket Talent

HUNDRED FOR AJINKYA RAHANE..!!!! 🌟

- He smashed a brilliant Hundred from 160 balls for Mumbai in this Ranji Trophy Quarterfinal. pic.twitter.com/S5Jl8gwOY3

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 11, 2025

A little about Rahane's Test Experience
Ajinkya Rahane has been a notable player for the Indian Test team for some years now He has performed excellently and he is playing game-changing innings, his heart-burning centuries in Australia and England mainly. The nature of his batting style helps him to do well whenever it really matters 

Is Rahane Coming Back to Team India?
The Test series against England will begin in June 2026 and last until August 2025, with five matches. It is obvious, that the selectors are looking for a few more experienced players who can adapt to favorable conditions. Rahane, with his form in the Ranji trophy, is further strengthening his case for a national comeback. His selection would provide India's middle order some depth and consistency.

India captain Rohit Sharma is back in form and he scored well made century in the second ODI against England at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday. Rohit sharma reached his hundred in style, smashing a six over long-off against leg-spinner Adil Rashid.  

ROHIT SHARMA 119(96) VS ENGLAND 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

pic.twitter.com/cl1I6derhx

— poet (@poet__7) February 9, 2025

Rohit Sharma led from the front with an outstanding 💯 in the chase & bagged the Player of the Match award as #TeamIndia beat England in Cuttack! 🙌 🙌

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/UIUHEtfSfb

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2025

This was Rohit’s first ODI century since his 131 off 84 balls against Afghanistan in Delhi during the 2023 Cricket World Cup. It was also his 32nd ODI hundred, putting him third on the all-time list in india's centuries list, behind him there are Indian great batters Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.  

ODI CENTURY number 3⃣2⃣ in 📸📸

Describe Captain Rohit Sharma's Cuttack 💯 in one word ✍️

Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/5mu59OBCTu

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2025

ALSO READ: Former cricketers join party to celebrate Rohit Sharma's 32nd ODI century

Rohit added another record by becoming the second-highest six-hitter in ODI cricket. now, Chris Gayle at 331 sixes but moved ahead in the second over of India’s chase, flicking the ball Atkinson for a huge six over midwicket.

🚨 Most ODI Hundreds in Men's Cricket 🚨

A legendary list with three #TeamIndia batters in the 🔝 three!

Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/069XQO7y2J

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2025

What a way to get to the HUNDRED! 🤩

A treat for the fans in Cuttack to witness Captain Rohit Sharma at his best 👌👌

Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/NReW1eEQtF#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/oQIlX7fY1T

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2025

Rohit’s century was a crucial knock that helped India stay in control of the chase against england. It also showed why he is still one of the best ODI batters. With another milestone to his name and a match-winning innings, he reminded that Form is Temporary but Class is Permanent.