The Indian Test team is about to enter a fresh chapter. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from the format recently, the leadership has been passed on to 25-year-old Shubman Gill. The right-hander will captain India for the first time in red-ball cricket as they take on England in a five-match Test series starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
Despite apprehensions about Test cricket losing its sheen without stalwarts like Kohli and Rohit, ticket sales in England tell a different story. According to Revsportz, nearly all matches are close to sold out.
Tickets Nearly Sold Out Despite No Kohli-Rohit
Contrary to fears that missing big names might dent interest, the England crowd has embraced the upcoming series enthusiastically. This isn’t a massive surprise as well since the England crowd has been known for promoting Test cricket. They often turn up to fill the stadium and appreciate red-ball cricket, sometimes more than limited overs matches.
| Test Match | Venue | Ticket Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Headingley | Only Day 4 tickets left |
| 2nd Test | Edgbaston | Only Day 4 tickets left |
| 3rd Test | Lord’s | Multiple days sold out |
| 4th Test | Old Trafford | Limited tickets left for Days 2 & 3 |
| 5th Test | The Oval | Only Day 5 tickets remain |
British journalists have termed this response a “welcome sign.” One noted, “That they continue to be robust is a welcome sign for the format.” Another added, “Tickets aren’t cheap, and yet people want to watch the Indians play.”
Gill & Co Hit the Ground Running
After flying out from Mumbai via Dubai, Team India reached London and has begun training under new strength and conditioning coach Adrian le Roux. The South African replaces Soham Desai, who stepped down after two ICC titles in the past year.
A BCCI video released on June 8 showed players performing drills and adapting to English conditions. Before the first Test, the team will play a warm-up game against India A on June 13 in Beckenham — a key prep fixture ahead of the high-stakes series.
India’s Tour of England 2025 – Full Schedule
| No. | Date (From–To) | Time (IST) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 20 – June 24, 2025 | 3:30 PM | 1st Test | Headingley, Leeds |
| 2 | July 2 – July 6, 2025 | 3:30 PM | 2nd Test | Edgbaston, Birmingham |
| 3 | July 10 – July 14, 2025 | 3:30 PM | 3rd Test | Lord’s, London |
| 4 | July 23 – July 27, 2025 | 3:30 PM | 4th Test | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| 5 | July 31 – August 4, 2025 | 3:30 PM | 5th Test | The Oval, London |
With a fresh leadership setup, a packed house, and an eager English summer awaiting them, Shubman Gill’s India is on the cusp of a defining series — one that could lay the foundation for a new Test dynasty.
