India’s Test team departs for England under Shubman Gill’s captaincy for a crucial five-match WTC series. With Rohit and Kohli retired, a new era begins as Gill looks to shape a young squad. Aakash Chopra urges a fresh leadership culture and focus on taking 20 wickets.
The national Test team has departed for England today to participate in a five-match Test series, part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The series, scheduled from June to August 2025, marks the beginning of a new era as India enters its first bilateral Test series since the retirement of two modern legends—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—from the longest format earlier this month.
This tour is not just another cricket series—it is a cultural and strategic shift for Indian Test cricket. With Shubman Gill taking over as captain and seasoned players like R Ashwin, Rohit, and Kohli stepping away, the team is undergoing a visible transition. The last time India won a Test series in England was back in 2007, and reclaiming success on English soil remains a coveted achievement.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has hailed this period as a golden opportunity for Gill to shape the next generation of Indian Test cricket. Speaking on JioHotstar, Chopra emphasized that the current transition is more than about changing players—it’s about shaping a culture. He advised Gill to create a leadership group comprising young, committed cricketers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.
“Form a pack of wolves,” Chopra said. “These are the players who’ll be with you today, in six months, and in five years. With a young team, the captain has a rare opportunity to grow alongside them. That doesn’t happen often in Indian cricket.”
Chopra further stressed the importance of fostering unity in a team that lacks the generational divide that often existed between juniors and seniors. Without the overshadowing presence of greats like Kohli and Rohit, Gill has the opportunity to define his own leadership model—one that reflects his personality and philosophy.
When asked if Gill should emulate Kohli’s style or take cues from his career, Chopra was clear in his response. “Inspiration should come from Kohli’s hunger and mindset, not necessarily his batting number. Batting position should suit the team’s balance and the captain’s strengths. What’s more important is that Gill understands the sacrifices leaders must make—be it changing his position or playing an extra bowler.”
The spotlight will be firmly on India’s bowling unit during this England tour. Chopra echoed the sentiments of Team India’s new mentor Gautam Gambhir, stating that picking bowlers who are capable of taking 20 wickets across a Test match should be the primary strategy.
“There’s always a temptation to strengthen the batting, especially after a collapse,” said Chopra. “But that’s a trap. If we don’t pick bowlers who can take 20 wickets, we are compromising the very essence of Test match victories.”
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He emphasized that pressure is inevitable when one carries the hopes of a cricket-mad nation. “Representing 1.4 billion people is not just about skill—it’s about bearing the weight of expectations. But with pressure comes purpose. And with the right mindset, this pressure can fuel greatness.”
This series is not just about a win in England—it’s about testing the new leadership, building a sustainable core, and sending a message that Indian cricket can continue to flourish even without its former giants. As the Indian team embarks on this critical assignment, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill and how he navigates both tactical challenges and emotional expectations.
With the WTC cycle just beginning, this tour could define India’s path over the next two years. Whether it ends in glory or in lessons learned, the importance of the moment is not lost on the players—or the nation.
