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)

England captain Ben Stokes dismissed the hype around Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the first Test at Leeds, saying his side has “no fear” of India’s pace spearhead. Stokes acknowledged Bumrah’s quality but emphasized that cricket is a team game. “One bowler won’t win a series,” he said. Bumrah, who has taken 60 wickets in 14 Tests against England, is expected to be crucial for India in Virat Kohli’s absence. However, he may play only select matches to manage fitness. With a young English attack and India relying on Bumrah’s brilliance, the five-match series promises fierce competition and mind games. (PC: HT)

The eagerly awaited five-match Test series between India and England begins June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, marking the start of the ICC World Test Championship cycle . Matches will also take place in Birmingham, London (Lord’s and The Oval), and Manchester, all starting at 3:30 PM IST . India, captained by Shubman Gill (vice-captain Rishabh Pant), begins a new leadership era following Kohli and Sharma’s retirement . Fans in India can enjoy live streaming on JioHotstar, while TV telecasts are available on Sony Sports Network. (PC: NDTV)9    

Virat Kohli, though freshly retired from Test cricket, welcomed India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill, vice‑captain Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and others to his London home on June 16. With India beginning a five‑match Test series in England on June 20 at Headingley, Kohli hosted them on an off‑day following Kent’s intra‑squad match. The two‑hour meeting, captured via RevSportz, appears to be a morale‑boosting session ahead of the series. Gill, succeeding Rohit Sharma, embarks on his first Test captaincy in red‑ball cricket. Meanwhile, English great James Anderson praised Kohli’s competitiveness, noting his improved technique since their early battles. (PC: BCCI)

Jasprit Bumrah has opened up about why he didn’t become India’s Test captain after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from red-ball cricket. Bumrah revealed he turned down the offer due to workload concerns and past back injuries. “Before Rohit and Virat retired during the IPL, I had spoken to the BCCI about my workloads going forward in a five-Test match series,” he said. Bumrah added that he consulted his doctors and physios before making the call. “I love cricket more than captaincy,” he said, adding that it’s better for the team to have one consistent leader. Shubman Gill was named captain for the England series.

At just 14, Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned IPL 2025 with a record-breaking 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals. Born in Bihar, he’s the youngest to debut in both IPL and Indian List A cricket. Despite comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, former selector Venkatapathy Raju urged BCCI to wait, stressing the need for domestic consistency. “Sachin hit centuries in Ranji, Duleep, and Irani Trophies,” Raju said, urging patience. Suryavanshi is currently with the India U-19 squad in England after a 190-run blitz in a warm-up game. Fans are excited, but experts call for grooming before a senior India team debut. (PC: X)

With Head Coach Gautam Gambhir flying back to India due to his mother’s ill health, former great VVS Laxman—currently NCA chief—has assumed interim coaching duties for the Indian cricket team ahead of the five-match Test series in England, beginning June 20 in Leeds . Already on the ground in London with India’s Under‑19 and “A” sides, Laxman brings valuable continuity, having previously overseen team preparations during Gambhir’s absence in South Africa . Under his guidance, the new-look Test squad—captained by Shubman Gill and missing veterans Kohli and Sharma—will fine‑tune strategy in intra‑squad games ahead of the first Test. (PC: PTI)