England targets new captain Shubman Gill: can India’s young batsmen handle the pressure?

As the India-England Test series kicks off on June 20 in Leeds, experts highlight the unique challenge for India’s inexperienced batting lineup without veterans Kohli and Rohit. The series not only tests Shubman Gill’s leadership but also hinges on pitch conditions and strategic bowling choices, setting the stage for a pivotal start to the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.

Sources:
FirstpostTimesofindia+2
Updated 59m ago
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Sources: TimesofindiaFirstpost+1
India embarks on a challenging five-Test series against England starting June 20 in Leeds, with Shubman Gill leading as the new captain. This series marks a significant transition for India, as it is their first Test series in England since 2007 and the beginning of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.

Gill faces intense scrutiny as England plans to target him aggressively, aiming to unsettle the young captain early. Cricket analyst Knight emphasized, "England will try and knock him over. England will try and make him feel uncomfortable." The absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma adds to the pressure on India’s emerging players.

Despite these challenges, experts remain optimistic about India’s potential. Knight noted that the team’s young talents, including Sai Sudharsan, are ready for international cricket, which could be pivotal in the series outcome.

Bowling remains a key factor, with seasoned pacer Jasprit Bumrah available for only three Tests but expected to be heavily utilized. Ravi Shastri indicated a preference for a three-pacer attack in the opening match, highlighting the importance of adapting to English conditions.

This series is not only a test of skill but also leadership and resilience for India’s new captain and squad. As the team navigates the absence of experienced players, the spotlight will be on Gill and the young batsmen to rise to the occasion and potentially secure a historic series win.

Key quotes and stats:
"Under new captain Shubman Gill, India will be looking to win their first Test series in England since 2007."
"England will target Shubman Gill. England will try and knock him over. England will try and make him feel uncomfortable."
"Knight believes that India's emerging talents, such as Sai Sudharsan, are ready for international cricket."
"The five-match contest will begin on June 20 in Leeds."
Sources: Timesofindia
England aims to challenge new India captain Shubman Gill in the upcoming five-Test series starting June 20 in Leeds. With key veterans absent, India’s young batsmen face pressure to perform. Experts highlight Gill’s leadership and emerging talents like Sai Sudharsan as crucial to India’s hopes of a historic series win.
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The Headline

India's Test series plans and England's strategy

Key Facts
  • Ravi Shastri has decided on a three fast bowlers combination for the first Test in Leeds, choosing Shardul Thakur over Nitish Reddy and favoring Kuldeep Yadav over Ravindra Jadeja for the spinner spot.1
  • Shastri mentioned the choice between Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh will depend on the Leeds pitch conditions.1
  • Under new captain Shubman Gill, India aims to win their first Test series in England since 2007.1
  • The 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle will begin with this series against England.Firstpost
  • Jasprit Bumrah has a strong record in England with 37 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 26.27, including two five-wicket hauls.1
  • The five-match Test series between India and England will begin on June 20 in Leeds.1
  • Former England batter Nick Knight warned that England will target new captain Shubman Gill to exploit the pressure on him.Timesofindia
Under new captain Shubman Gill, India will be looking to win their first Test series in England since 2007.
Hindustan Times
1
Well, there are a lot of challenges (for Team India), there’s no doubt about that. There’s a young captain, a new side, no Virat Kohli, no Rohit Sharma. But still, looking at the quality in the Indian team, they can upset England.
Firstpost
Firstpost
Despite Bumrah's prowess, Knight felt the game-changer for India could be Kuldeep Yadav.
Hindustantimes
1
England will target Shubman Gill. England will try and knock him over. England will try and make him feel uncomfortable.
Timesofindia
Timesofindia
Key Stats at a Glance
Jasprit Bumrah's wickets in England Tests
37 wickets
1
Bumrah's bowling average in England Tests
26.3
India's last Test series win in England
since 2007
1

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Background Context

Expert insights on India's team and challenges

Key Facts
  • Ajay Mehra expressed confidence that despite challenges like a young captain, a new side, and the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has the quality to upset England.Firstpost
  • Ajay Mehra highlighted that Jasprit Bumrah will be available for only three of the five Tests but praised the bowling resources as very good, and noted Karun Nair’s prolific form with a double hundred in warm-up games.Firstpost
  • Nick Knight advised Shubman Gill to make Bumrah bowl as many balls as possible to Joe Root during the series.1
  • Knight suggested that Kuldeep Yadav could be a game-changer for India if selected ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.1
  • Knight pointed out that the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma changes the team dynamic and emphasized the need for good pitch conditions to support India’s inexperienced batting lineup.Timesofindia
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