Leeds [UK], June 20: A new era begins in Indian cricket as a youthful squad, led by the newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, gears up to face England in a five-match series starting Friday at Headingley — a venue where India last tasted victory in 2002.
This series marks India’s first major red-ball assignment in the absence of three stalwarts: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin — all of whom recently retired from Test cricket. Despite their departure, the squad exudes confidence and energy as it embarks on the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
“It’s a new group. We’re missing a few senior players, and yeah, it is a young team led by a really young captain,” said senior batter KL Rahul in a video shared by BCCI on X.
Shubman Gill, entrusted with leading the new generation, views the youth-centric team as an opportunity for long-term growth. “Everyone is so young, and it will be relatively easy and exciting to mould this team into what we want Indian cricket to become in the next 10-15 years,” Gill said.
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja praised the team’s balance, adding, “Our balance is very good. We will play good cricket.”
Pacer Shardul Thakur, who has prior experience playing in England, is keen to adapt to the unpredictable conditions. “Sometimes it’s cloudy, sometimes it’s bright — you need to adjust your game accordingly,” he said.
Kuldeep Yadav highlighted the importance of the series in the context of the WTC, calling it a “massive achievement” if India can secure victory.
Among the young guns, Arshdeep Singh, who earned his maiden Test call-up, called the England series a “tough one” and said it would be fun to emerge victorious. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed in Australia, added, “It always pumps you up — just super excited to play in this England series.”
Mohammed Siraj said it’s a “proud feeling” to be among such talented players, while Purple Cap holder Prasidh Krishna expressed optimism and a desire to win the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with camaraderie and joy. “If that fun leads to winning a tournament, all of us will be jumping around — maybe even come up with a celebration dance,” he joked.
India’s squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.