IND vs ENG 2025: A new chapter in Indian cricket began today as Sai Sudharsan received his maiden Test cap ahead of the highly anticipated first Test match between England and India, kicking off the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. The five-match series started on Saturday, June 20, at the iconic Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, with England winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
This match is not only crucial for both teams looking to start their WTC journey on a high, but it also marked a significant moment for the 23-year-old Sai Sudharsan, who has now officially entered the realm of Test cricket.
England Wins Toss, India to Bat First
England captain Ben Stokes called it right at the toss and elected to field first, capitalizing on the early overcast conditions at Leeds. India, led by Shubman Gill, was invited to bat, setting the stage for a young and dynamic batting lineup to take on England’s experienced pace unit.
Emotional Debut Moment for Sai Sudharsan
The highlight before the first ball was bowled came in the form of a touching moment—Cheteshwar Pujara, who is currently in England as part of the broadcast panel, handed Sai Sudharsan his Test cap. The gesture not only underscored the continuity of Indian Test batting tradition but also offered a powerful emotional moment for fans.
Sudharsan, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the IPL, now has the chance to make a name for himself on the grandest stage in red-ball cricket.
Playing XIs of Both Teams
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
India National Cricket Team vs England National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Key Talking Points from the Match Start
- India’s new-look middle order featuring Sudharsan and Nair brings a fresh flavor to this Test side.
- Rishabh Pant’s return behind the stumps adds both stability and flair to the lineup.
- England’s pace-heavy attack with Woakes, Carse, and Tongue aims to exploit home conditions, while Shoaib Bashir adds a spin option.
What’s at Stake?
This series marks the beginning of both teams’ campaigns in the World Test Championship 2025–27, and every match—and every session—will count toward their path to the WTC Final. India’s young core and England’s aggressive style promise a fascinating contest.
For Sai Sudharsan, this Test debut is a career-defining moment—a reward for his consistency, patience, and promise. The challenge now lies in converting opportunity into impact as the world watches.
Live Coverage & Streaming
- TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Ten 1 & Ten 5
- Online Streaming: JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar
Fans can follow live updates and scorecards on major sports platforms throughout the match.
