India’s pacers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, were visibly frustrated when umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney paused play at Leeds’ Headingley on June 21. Light drizzle prompted the intervention just as England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley neared the crease, and India’s bowlers Bumrah, Siraj and Rishabh Pant reluctantly trudged off. Ten minutes later, the rain nearly vanished, adding to India’s irritability. Earlier, India posted a stalwart 471 batting first, with centuries from Shubman Gill (147), Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) and Pant (134). England fought back through Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes swing‑bowling India from 471 to 24 for six. (PC: Mint & Hindustan Times)

Karun Nair’s eagerly awaited India Test return after an eight‑year, 3,011‑day absence ended in excruciating disappointment at Headingley. Batting at No. 6 on Day 2 of the first Test against England, Nair edged a tempting cover‑drive offer from England captain Ben Stokes and was brilliantly caught by Ollie Pope after facing just four balls out for a duck. The abrupt dismissal crashed hopes of a fairytale comeback, placing fresh pressure on Nair’s place in the squad. Cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar labelled the shot “dangerous… at the start of your innings.” That single delivery underscored the brutal challenge of Test cricket and the fine margins between glory and heartbreak. (PC: Reuters & BBC)

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra secured his first Diamond League win in two years at the Paris meet with an impressive 88.16 m first-round throw, edging past Germany’s Julian Weber (87.88 m) . Reflecting on his performance, Chopra credited a strong run-up but noted technical glitches—leaning left and chest-first release—that he plans to refine . The 27‑year‑old, coached by legendary Jan Zelezny, emphasized consistency and expressed confidence that it’s only a matter of time before he regularly breaches the 90 m mark again, following his 90.23 m feat earlier this season. (PC: Pragativadi)  

Indian javelin ace Neeraj Chopra secured his first Diamond League crown since 2023 at the Paris leg on June 20, 2025. He led the field from the outset with a massive 88.16 m opener—his only legal mark—then fouled thrice before ending with an 82.89 m sixth attempt . Germany’s Julian Weber claimed silver with 87.88 m, while Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva took bronze at 86.62 m . Chopra, 27, had returned to the Paris meet for the first time since 2017, when he finished eighth—this time rising to the top of a star‑studded field featuring five 90 m club throwers. (PC: X)

India ended Day 1 of the 1st Test against England in Leeds at 359/3, powered by centuries from captain Shubman Gill (127*) and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (110). The visitors dominated the day, with a 91-run opening stand between Jaiswal and KL Rahul setting the tone. Despite a brief fightback from England, including Ben Stokes dismissing Jaiswal post-tea, India recovered strongly. Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 65 alongside Gill. Debutant B Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for a duck. With a solid platform laid, India looks to push ahead on Day 2 in the World Test Championship opener. (PC: BCCI)

Players from India and England wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence at the 1st Test in Leeds to honor the victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The crash on June 12 claimed over 270 lives, including medical students and airline crew. The symbolic gesture was led by captains Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes at Headingley. The England Cricket Board said, "Our thoughts are with all those affected." India handed a debut to Sai Sudharsan, while Karun Nair made his Test return. The match also marked the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. 

  England won the toss and chose to bowl on Day 1 of the first Test at Headingley. India, captained by Shubman Gill, opted for a young XI featuring debutant Sai Sudharsan and the much‑anticipated comeback of Karun Nair at No. 6—his first Test since March 2017, marking a stunning return after a 3,006‑day absence . Nair’s recall was fueled by consistent domestic and County performances, including a double century for India A . His family shared the pride, with wife Sanaya posting an emotional tribute . India reached lunch at 92/2, with KL Rahul (42) and Yashasvi Jaiswal providing a solid start. (PC: Getty Images)

Players from India and England will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence before the start of the first Test match in Hyderabad on January 25 as a tribute to the victims of the recent Air India Express crash in Kerala. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the gesture, expressing deep condolences for those affected. The crash, which claimed lives and left several injured, has drawn widespread national mourning. The symbolic tribute will take place just before the match's commencement, uniting players and fans in a moment of remembrance. The incident has cast a solemn shadow over the start of the five-match Test series. (PC: NDTV Sports & PTI)

India and England begin their five‑match Test series at Headingley, Leeds today, launching the new 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. Shubman Gill makes his debut as India’s Test captain following retirements of Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin. England, captained by Ben Stokes under the aggressive “Bazball” approach, field a seam‑strong bowling attack led by Chris Woakes in the post‑Anderson/Broad era. Weather poses a real threat with rain or overcast skies predicted across all five days which could dramatically shift conditions and dictate toss strategy. India’s lineup blends youth and experience, with Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, Karun Nair’s return, and vice‑captain Rishabh Pant under focus. (PC: Crictoday & India Today)

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar has stepped in to safeguard the historical Pataudi legacy after the Pataudi Trophy was rechristened the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy ahead of the five-match India–England Test series starting June 20 . Tendulkar initiated discussions with the BCCI, ECB, ICC President Jay Shah, and the Pataudi family, advocating for retaining the Pataudi connection. His proposal led to the introduction of the “Pataudi Medal of Excellence,” to be awarded to the winning captain . Meanwhile, the new trophy celebrates the enduring rivalry and contributions of Sachin and England great James Anderson . Supporters praise Tendulkar’s effort to bridge tradition and modern honor, merging heritage with a fresh start in England. (PC: The Hindu)