Introduction: As the Indian cricket team embarked on a scenic train journey from London to Leeds ahead of the first Test of the five-match series against England, a wave of nostalgia swept through the squad. The players, often confined to the high-speed world of international cricket, took a moment to reminisce about their early days of train travel in India, sharing heartfelt stories that connected them to their roots.
Body 1: In a delightful two-minute video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian players were seen exiting their London hotel, coffee cups in hand, ready to board the train. Fans swarmed for selfies, and the team obliged with smiles and playful banter. One such lighthearted moment came when someone behind the camera teased all-rounder Washington Sundar, saying, ‘Ball theek karo halka sa, ek haath se. Aa gaya shot aa gaya’ (Fix your hair a little with one hand. Yes, we got the shot!). These candid interactions painted a picture of camaraderie and warmth.
Body 2: For many players, the journey evoked vivid childhood memories of train travel in India. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel shared a touching story from his past: ‘When I was very young, my father was posted in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The train journeys through the mountains were mesmerizing. I used to get so excited, and my father always ensured I got the window seat to enjoy the scenery.’ Similarly, young batter Sai Sudharsan recalled how train travel was a norm during his early cricket days. ‘When I was young, I always traveled by train for U-12 and U-14 camps in Chepauk,’ he said, reflecting on simpler times.
Body 3: Onboard, the team enjoyed the comfort of the journey, with moments captured like bowling coach Morne Morkel clicking photos of opener KL Rahul at a coveted window seat. However, not all memories were of serene landscapes. Senior pacer Shardul Thakur, making a comeback to the Test side, spoke about the hustle of Mumbai’s local trains. ‘There’s a direct train from my house. I’d walk a few minutes, board a local train, practice, and return the same way. But in Mumbai, it’s a different grind—there’s no peace like this,’ Thakur chuckled, savoring the comfort of his current window seat.
Body 4: The video concluded with wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav welcoming everyone to Leeds, the historic venue set to host the opening Test at Headingley Stadium from July 25, 2025 (hypothetical date for context). Leeds, known for its challenging pitch and passionate crowd, promises an exciting start to the series. India, led by Rohit Sharma, will look to draw first blood in this crucial encounter against Ben Stokes’ England, with both teams eyeing a strong start to their World Test Championship (WTC) campaigns.
Conclusion: This train journey was more than just a mode of transport for Team India; it was a bridge to their past, a moment to relive childhood innocence amidst the pressures of international cricket. As they prepare to battle it out in Leeds, these stories remind us of the human side of our cricketing heroes—men who once fought for window seats and now fight for their country’s pride on the global stage. Stay tuned as we bring you every update from this highly anticipated India vs England Test series.