Young Indian batter Sai Sudharsan is making his Test debut for India in the first match against England at Headingley, Leeds, starting June 20. This is a big moment in his career as he steps into red-ball cricket on one of the toughest stages in the world.
Sudharsan will bat at number 3, a key position in the lineup. With Shubman Gill now captaining the team and moving to number 4, the team has shown great trust in the 23-year-old to handle early pressure in English conditions.
As India begins their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign, all eyes will be on Sudharsan to see how he handles the challenge. Fans are excited to watch this young star take his next big step in international cricket.
India vs England 1st Test Preview
Team India and England will begin their 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as they lock horns in the first of the five-Test series at the Headingley in Leeds, beginning on June 20. It will be a significant moment for Shubman Gill, who will play his first Test as the captain as the tourists begin a new era.
Gill, who made his Test debut in 2020 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), will step inside the Headingley, Leeds for the first time as captain in his red-ball international career. With Virat Kohli retiring from the format, the 25-year-old is all set to bat at number four. Karun Nair could also make his return to the Test side after seven years in the wilderness, while the bowling attack's leader will arguably be Jasprit Bumrah.
England, meanwhile, have already confirmed their playing eleven. The hosts have welcomed back Chris Woakes into their ranks, with the Warwickshire seamer being the most experienced seamer in James Anderson and Stuart Broad's absence. Meanwhile, they have preferred Ollie Pope to Jacob Bethell at number three.