India’s England Tour Set to Begin Without Star Players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
As the Indian cricket team prepares for its highly anticipated five-Test tour of England starting June 20 at Headingley, the focus is on the emerging talents in the batting lineup. With veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli absent from the setup, players like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and newly appointed captain Shubman Gill are set to take on crucial roles. Each player carries unique responsibilities and expectations as they aim to solidify India’s batting order in challenging conditions.
KL Rahul: A Legacy Waiting for Consistency
At 33, KL Rahul stands as the most seasoned batter in the Indian squad, boasting a record of 955 runs in 13 Tests against England, which includes three centuries. Despite these impressive statistics, Rahul has faced challenges with inconsistency in his performances. His remarkable 149 at The Oval in 2018 showcased his talent when India was struggling at 121 for 5. However, he managed only 152 runs in the remaining nine innings of that series, a pattern that unfortunately repeated during the 2021 tour. Although he scored a brilliant 129 at Lord’s, he followed it up with several low scores.
Rahul’s average of 34.11 in English conditions highlights his struggle to convert starts into significant contributions. With over a decade of experience behind him, this series could be pivotal in determining whether he can evolve from showing flashes of brilliance to becoming a reliable anchor in the middle order. The pressure is on Rahul to deliver consistent performances and guide the younger players as they navigate one of cricket’s toughest landscapes.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Young Blood, Big Dreams
In stark contrast, 23-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal enters the series brimming with potential and a fearless attitude. Having recently emerged as India’s highest scorer in the previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he will now take on the role of senior opener. Jaiswal’s home Test average of 60.61 across 10 matches is remarkable, but the upcoming tour presents his most significant challenge yet. His away average of 44.18 is commendable, yet the swinging Dukes ball and the formidable English seam attack will test his skills in unprecedented ways.
With no seasoned players like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma to provide mentorship, Jaiswal is tasked with leading India’s batting charge from the top. His recent form and determination make him a key player to watch in this series. The ability to maintain composure under pressure will be critical as he faces the challenges posed by England’s bowling attack.
Shubman Gill: A Captain with a Point to Prove
Shubman Gill assumes the formidable role of captain as India embarks on this Test series in England, all while developing his own skills as a player. Gill’s overall Test average of 42.03 at home is impressive, but his numbers drop significantly in overseas conditions, where he averages just 29.50. His record in England is particularly concerning, with only 88 runs in three matches and an average of 14.66.
As he takes on the added pressures of leadership, the expectations for Gill are high. He must not only focus on his own performance but also on how he leads a team missing some of its most iconic players. Former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed confidence in Gill’s ability to rise to the occasion. For now, Gill will need to rely on his belief and determination until he can translate that into meaningful runs on the scoreboard.
A Defining Series for India’s Next Batting Order
The 2025 tour of England marks a significant turning point for the Indian cricket team, being the first full Test series without either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma since 2011. The responsibility of scoring runs and providing leadership now lies with a veteran seeking consistency (Rahul), a promising young talent (Jaiswal), and a captain still carving out his identity (Gill). Their performances will not only impact the outcome of this series but could also set the trajectory for India’s aspirations in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Each player’s contribution will be crucial as India seeks to establish a new foundation for its batting lineup.
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