India’s Tour of England 2025: Who Will Step Up in the Absence of Kohli and Sharma?
In a historic turning point for Indian cricket, the Men in Blue are set to embark on a grueling five-Test tour of England starting June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds. For the first time in over a decade, India will play a full Test series without their modern-era giants, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have retired from the longest format. This seismic shift places the spotlight squarely on the next generation of batters—KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill—as they face the daunting task of anchoring India’s batting lineup on unfamiliar, seamer-friendly English soil.
With history at stake and the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle adding extra pressure, this series isn’t just a test of skill but a defining moment for India’s future. Let’s delve into the key players who could shape India’s fortunes in this high-stakes battle against Ben Stokes’ England, a team known for its aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach and lethal bowling attack led by James Anderson and Mark Wood.
KL Rahul: The Veteran Seeking Redemption
At 33, KL Rahul is the most experienced batter in India’s squad for this tour, carrying a wealth of 955 runs from 13 Tests against England at a respectable average of 34.11. His record includes three centuries, with standout performances like the iconic 149 at The Oval in 2018—crafted under immense pressure when India were reeling at 121/5—and a majestic 129 at Lord’s in 2021, which paved the way for a historic victory. However, Rahul’s career has often been marred by inconsistency. In the same 2018 series, he managed just 152 runs across his other nine innings, while post-Lord’s in 2021, he slumped to single-digit scores repeatedly. English conditions, notorious for swing and seam, have exposed his vulnerability to converting starts into big scores. With over a decade of Test experience, this series could be Rahul’s last chance to shed the label of ‘flashes of brilliance’ and emerge as India’s reliable middle-order pillar.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Fearless Young Gun
If Rahul represents experience, Yashasvi Jaiswal, at just 23, embodies raw hunger and audacious talent. Bursting onto the Test scene, Jaiswal has already notched up an astonishing home average of 60.61 across 10 matches, with his performances in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy making him India’s highest scorer in that series. While his away average of 44.18 is promising, the swinging Dukes ball and relentless English seamers like Ollie Robinson will pose a challenge unlike any other. Without the guiding presence of Kohli or Sharma at the top, Jaiswal, as the senior opener, must blend composure with intent to lead India’s charge. His recent form—highlighted by a double century against Australia—and fearless approach make him a key player to watch in this battle of attrition.
Shubman Gill: A Captain Under the Microscope
Arguably facing the toughest job in world cricket, Shubman Gill steps into the captaincy role for a Test series in England while still establishing himself as a consistent Test batter. His home average of 42.03 reflects potential, but his overseas record drops to a modest 29.50. In England, his struggles are stark—scoring just 88 runs in three matches at a paltry average of 14.66. Now, with the added burden of leadership, Gill must not only deliver with the bat but also inspire a squad missing its iconic figures. Former stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara recently backed Gill, saying, ‘His composure and game awareness will shine through under pressure.’ Yet, with venues like Edgbaston and Trent Bridge awaiting, Gill’s temperament will be tested as much as his technique. Can he rise to the occasion and carve his own legacy?
As India faces England in 2025, this series transcends mere results—it’s a crucible for a new era. The trio of Rahul, Jaiswal, and Gill must navigate the ghosts of past tours (India has won only 3 out of 18 series in England since 1932) while filling the colossal void left by Kohli’s 8,848 Test runs and Sharma’s strategic nous. Their performances could not only dictate the outcome of this series but also shape India’s roadmap in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, where every point is vital. For fans, it’s a bittersweet moment: the end of an era, but the dawn of a new, unpredictable chapter. Who will emerge as India’s batting hero under the gray English skies? Only time, and the hallowed turf of Headingley, will tell.