IND vs ENG 2025 are all set to kickstart a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a five-match Test series beginning on June 20, 2025, in Leeds. IND vs ENG 2025 is already grabbing headlines, not only due to the fierce competition expected but also because some of the biggest names from both sides will be missing in action.
England will step onto the field without their iconic pace duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad, both of whom have retired from international cricket. On the other side, Team India will be without the services of their experienced players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin all
of whom have bid farewell to Test cricket. Fast bowler Mohammad Shami is also unavailable due to injury. With both teams undergoing significant transitions, the IND vs ENG 2025 series is expected to signal the dawn of a new era in Test cricket.
Experts Weigh In on the IND vs ENG 2025 Series
Ahead of the highly anticipated series, cricket legends including Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Sanjay Manjrekar, and Deep Dasgupta have shared their predictions. The consensus among these seasoned analysts leans slightly in favor of England, citing home advantage and India’s relatively inexperienced squad.
South African fast bowling legend Dale Steyn believes England will clinch the series 3-2. According to him,The Indian team is young and in transition. While India will put up a strong fight and might win one or two Tests, I see England taking the series with a 3-2 margin. Every match will be close and competitive.
Australian opener Matthew Hayden echoed similar sentiments but left a glimmer of hope for India. He pointed out that if India manages to win the Tests at Leeds and Manchester, they could go on to win the series. England’s bowling attack isn’t as formidable as it used to be. With several players injured or retired, India has a real chance, especially if they win the games up north, said Hayden.
England’s Bowling Concerns
England’s bowling unit is under strain as several key pacers are out with injuries. Mark Wood has been ruled out of the first three Tests, while Jofra Archer will miss at least the opening match. Gus Atkinson is also recovering from a hamstring issue. With Anderson and Broad gone, England will heavily rely on their bench strength and emerging talent.
This void in experience might make England’s bowling attack vulnerable, a concern that could work in India’s favor. However, experts caution that playing in English conditions will still pose a significant challenge for the Indian side.
India’s New-Look Squad
Team India, too, is facing a period of rebuilding. Without Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin, a young team led by Shubman Gill will look to make its mark on English soil. While this might seem like a disadvantage, it could also prove to be a blessing in disguise. Young players are hungry to prove themselves, and this could inject fresh energy and fearless cricket into the series.
However, the absence of experience in both batting and bowling departments could be a concern, especially against a team that knows how to play well at home.
Indian Experts Back England, But Expect a Close Fight
Former Indian cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Deep Dasgupta also believe that England are slight favorites to win the IND vs ENG 2025 series. Dasgupta mentioned, “India is going through a transitional phase, and while they will challenge England, the hosts hold the edge due to familiarity with conditions and crowd support
Manjrekar added, England are in a better position to win the series. The Indian side is young and evolving, whereas England, despite some key absences, will benefit from playing at home
Full Test Match Schedule – IND vs ENG 2025
- 1st Test: June 20, Leeds
- 2nd Test: July 2, Birmingham
- 3rd Test: July 10, Lord’s
- 4th Test: July 23, Manchester
- 5th Test: July 31, The Oval
Final Thoughts
With both teams undergoing major transitions, IND vs ENG 2025 promises to be a series full of surprises. While England might hold a slight edge due to home conditions and crowd support, India’s new generation has the talent and aggression to turn the tide. Whether it’s a rebuilding phase or the start of a new golden era, this series is expected to be a thriller.
Stay tuned as the next generation of IND vs ENG 2025 cricketing stars gets ready to write a new chapter in the historic rivalry of India vs England