India-England Test series kicks off June 20: Rohit, Kohli absences shift WTC stakes

As the India-England Test series launches the WTC 2025-27 cycle, the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli looms large, giving England a psychological edge. Experts predict a fiercely contested series with England favored at home, while controversy brews over the series' significance ahead of the Ashes.

Sources:
TimesofindiaSports+1
Updated 42m ago
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Sources: TimesofindiaSports
The highly anticipated India-England Test series kicks off on June 20 in England, marking the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams.

With the retirement of Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the series signals a new era for India, now led by Shubman Gill. This absence has shifted the stakes, giving England a perceived mental edge.

"I think it gives (England) a mental boost to have no Rohit Sharma and no Virat Kohli," said former England fast bowler Steve Harmison, highlighting the psychological impact despite the two players' waning form in recent years.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain echoed this sentiment, predicting a 3-1 or even 4-1 series win for England, emphasizing the home advantage and the loss of experience and runs from Rohit and Kohli.

"England have a very good record at home, and India will miss the runs and experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli," Hussain noted.

However, the series is expected to be competitive, with Harmison anticipating a close contest despite England being favorites.

The series also carries significance as it marks the start of the WTC 2025-27 cycle, adding extra competitive stakes.

Despite England's home advantage, India has not lost a series to England in any format since 2018, underscoring the challenge ahead for the hosts.

The series is also stirring debate, with former England spinner Graeme Swann controversially calling it a "warm-up for the Ashes," a comment that drew criticism for disrespecting the Indian team.

As the two cricketing giants prepare to clash, the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reshapes expectations and strategies, making this series a pivotal moment in international Test cricket.
Sources: TimesofindiaSports
The India-England five-match Test series begins June 20 in England, marking the start of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. England, favored by experts due to home advantage and the absence of Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, face a Shubman Gill-led Indian side entering a new era.
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The Headline

India-England Test series starts June 20 amid key absences

Key Facts
  • England have failed to beat India in any series since 2018, highlighting India's recent dominance in all formats.Sports
  • Steve Harmison says the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gives England a mental boost ahead of the series.1
  • Harmison expects a close series but favors England as favourites due to the series being played in England.
  • Nasser Hussain predicts a 3-1 or 4-1 series win for England, citing the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and the home advantage for England.Timesofindia
  • Hussain highlights that the Shubman Gill-led Indian side will miss the runs and experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli against England.Timesofindia
  • Former England spinner Graeme Swann controversially called the India-England series a 'warm-up for the Ashes', drawing criticism for disrespect.Sports
  • The India vs England Test series begins on June 20, 2025, marking the start of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle for both teams.Sports
With the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the five-match Test series against England undoubtedly marks a new era for the Indian team led by Shubman Gill.
Greater Kashmir
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Nasser Hussain has dismissed India’s chances in the upcoming Test series, citing the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Predicting a 3-1 win for England, he emphasized home advantage as the key factor favouring Ben Stokes’ side.
Timesofindia
Timesofindia
India and England are set to go head to head in a highly-anticipated series from June 20, which will also mark the start of both teams' World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycles.
Sports
Sports
Key Stats at a Glance
Predicted England series win 3-1
3-1
Timesofindia
Predicted England series win 4-1
4-1
Timesofindia

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Background Context

New era for India with Rohit and Kohli retired

Key Facts
  • The retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli marks a new era for the Indian team led by Shubman Gill in this five-match Test series.1
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