India Tour of England: Kapil Dev Backs Shubman Gill to Win Trophy in Historic Series
As the cricketing world turns its eyes to Headingley Stadium on June 20, 2025, a new chapter in Indian Test cricket is set to unfold. Shubman Gill, the young and dynamic batter, will step onto the field as India’s new Test captain, facing off against England’s Ben Stokes in the first of a much-anticipated five-Test series. This marks the dawn of a fresh era following the retirement of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, with Gill entrusted to lead a transitioning Indian side.
India’s quest for glory on English soil is steeped in history but fraught with challenges. Their last Test series victory in England came in 2007 under Rahul Dravid, with iconic triumphs dating back to 1971 (Ajit Wadekar) and 1986 (Kapil Dev). With Gill at the helm in his maiden captaincy assignment, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Yet, if there’s one voice of unwavering belief in this young leader, it’s none other than India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev.
In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com on the sidelines of an event by Three Sixty commemorating his legendary unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe in 1983, Kapil Dev shared his optimism. “Achha aur talented baccha hai [He’s a good and talented boy],” Kapil remarked about Gill. “Now, as the captain of the Indian team, I’m sure he will return with the trophy in hand. We feel very proud and wish them all the luck. I hope they come back victorious and play to their full potential.”
Gill’s Test record in England, however, paints a modest picture so far. In just three Tests on English pitches, he has scored 88 runs at an average of 14.66. But numbers don’t define potential, and with a blend of experience and youth in the squad, there’s hope for a turnaround. Veterans like Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and vice-captain Rishabh Pant form the core, while a host of exciting talents—Sai Sudharsan, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel, among others—will face the unpredictable English conditions for the first time. These conditions, known for swing and seam, often test even the most seasoned players, with Headingley’s pace-friendly wicket adding to the challenge.
Kapil Dev, however, dismissed any notions of labeling this side as inexperienced. “Today they may be inexperienced, but tomorrow they’ll be experienced,” he said with characteristic optimism. “I have confidence in this bunch of players. They will do something special. I just want to say—go out there and play. Enjoy yourself. That’s all I want to say to this Indian side.” His words echo a timeless belief in the potential of Indian cricket to rise above challenges and create history.
Special praise was reserved for India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who Kapil hailed as “one of the best bowlers in the world.” “He knows exactly what to do and how to get the job done,” Kapil added. “For me, the team is more important than anything else.” Bumrah, with over 150 Test wickets at an astonishing average of 20.69 (as of early 2025 stats), will be pivotal in dismantling England’s batting lineup on pitches that often favor fast bowling.
As Gill prepares to lead India into battle, the weight of expectation is balanced by the promise of a new beginning. With a legacy to uphold and a trophy to chase, this series isn’t just a test of skill but of character. Can Shubman Gill, backed by the faith of legends like Kapil Dev, inspire India to conquer England once again? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an enthralling cricketing saga.