As the Indian cricket team gears up for a thrilling five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20 at the iconic Headingley Stadium in Leeds, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dropped a delightful video. This light-hearted clip captures the candid and often humorous side of the players, offering fans a rare glimpse into their personalities off the field.
In the video, Indian cricketers, including the newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, were posed with a simple yet intriguing question: ‘What are the three things that come to mind when you think of England?’ Their responses, ranging from witty to heartfelt, paint a vivid picture of how they perceive the country that has historically been a challenging yet rewarding destination for Indian cricket.
This Indian squad, marking the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, is in the midst of a generational transition. With legends like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin having retired from the format, a new crop of talent is ready to carve its legacy under Gill’s leadership. The video not only serves as a breather from the intense preparations but also humanizes these cricketing stars ahead of a high-stakes series.
Shubman Gill, leading India in a full Test series for the first time, showcased his batter’s obsession with conditions, saying, ‘A Dukes ball, that’s number one. The weather, always changing—exciting yet tough. And the electric atmosphere of the crowd.’ His words reflect the challenges and excitement of playing Test cricket in England, where the Dukes ball, known for its pronounced swing and seam, often tests the mettle of even the best batters.
KL Rahul, a seasoned campaigner in English conditions, couldn’t hide his admiration for the setting. ‘England and Test cricket excite me. When the sun’s out, the weather is great, and there are so many food options off the field,’ he quipped, highlighting the charm of an English summer—a rarity that players cherish amidst grueling schedules.
Others, like all-rounder Washington Sundar, kept their focus on the game. ‘Swing and seam. India winning a lot of games here. And food,’ he said with a smile, referencing India’s recent successes in England, including the memorable 2-1 series win in 2021. Meanwhile, young batter Sai Sudharsan mused, ‘Weather, hot chocolate, and Dukes,’ blending the practical with the comforting.
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna painted a romantic picture of his-English experience: ‘Dukes ball, the weather, and just walking around the city with a coffee.’ Similarly, Shardul Thakur echoed the sentiment, saying, ‘Greenery, coffee, and weather. Just sipping coffee on a walk feels special here.’ Their shared love for coffee and strolls highlights the small joys players find amid the pressure of international cricket.
Karun Nair took a more poetic stance with ‘Character, Test, and culture,’ encapsulating the essence of England’s deep-rooted cricketing heritage. On the other hand, rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal offered a grounded yet dreamy take: ‘Beautiful. Lord’s. Houses.’ His mention of Lord’s, often called the ‘Home of Cricket,’ nods to the venue’s hallowed status, especially after India’s iconic triumph there in 2021.
As India prepares to face England in this marquee series, the squad blends youth and experience. The team includes Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Harshit Rana. With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav in the ranks, India will aim to exploit England’s tricky conditions.
Historically, India has had a mixed record in England, with 7 series wins against 19 losses since their first tour in 1932. However, recent tours have seen India turn the tide, notably under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. As Shubman Gill takes the reins, fans are eager to see if this new-look team can build on that momentum. For now, this charming video reminds us that beyond the fierce competition, cricket is also about camaraderie, culture, and little moments of joy—be it a cup of coffee or the unpredictability of the English weather.
Watch the full video on BCCI’s official channels and share your thoughts: What comes to mind when you think of England? Let the countdown to the first Test begin!