The much-anticipated India vs England 2025 Test Series, part of the World Test Championship, proved to be one of the most riveting cricketing battles in recent memory. Over five action-packed Tests from June to August, fans witnessed a mix of spectacular centuries, bowling masterclasses, emotional farewells, and nail-biting finishes.
Both sides came into the series with new leadership dynamics — Shubman Gill captaining India, and Ben Stokesleading England until injury forced him out of the final Test. The tour was named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, celebrating two modern greats.
🏏 Match-by-Match Recap
1st Test – Headingley, Leeds:
England took the early lead, chasing down 287 in the fourth innings with five wickets to spare. Rishabh Pant’s stunning twin centuries — the first ever by an Asian keeper in a single Test — were overshadowed by Joe Root’s gritty 147 and Ben Stokes’ all-round brilliance.
2nd Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham:
India roared back. A double hundred from KL Rahul and a six-wicket haul by Jasprit Bumrah sealed a dominant 336-run win, leveling the series. Critics hailed India’s balanced bowling and aggressive batting approach.
3rd Test – Lord’s, London:
England bounced back in a tight contest. Despite half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Axar Patel, the hosts edged ahead thanks to Harry Brook’s 98 and a resilient tail-end stand. The match was a throwback to classic, attritional Test cricket.
4th Test – Old Trafford, Manchester:
Rain and light interruptions dominated, but India mounted a brave comeback to secure a draw. Notable was Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul and Shubman Gill’s 132, showcasing maturity and grit in tricky overcast conditions.
5th Test – The Oval, London:
The final Test was pure drama. India posted 375, powered by a 195-run stand between Gill (101) and Pant (88). England responded with a historic chase, reaching 339/6 by Day 4 stumps. Root and Brook’s centuries put India on edge, but Mohammed Siraj’s late burst kept hopes alive for a drawn series.
⭐ Series Highlights and Player Milestones
- Rishabh Pant was the star of the series: 512 runs, including two centuries, and excellent keeping behind the stumps.
- Shubman Gill, in his first major series as captain, silenced doubters with 543 runs, including a series-defining century at The Oval.
- KL Rahul amassed 521 runs and was crucial in both Indian wins.
- England’s Harry Brook was the revelation of the series with 426 runs at a strike rate of over 70.
- Joe Root, with his elegant 441 runs, was England’s rock in key moments.
- Ravindra Jadeja and Siraj led the bowling charts for India, while James Anderson, in his final home series, delivered crucial breakthroughs with his reverse swing mastery.
⚔️ Tactical Narratives and Criticism
- Ravichandran Ashwin, excluded from the starting XI for all five Tests, criticized team management and Gill’s captaincy for “lack of game awareness.”
- India’s bowling plans often lacked bite in the middle sessions, allowing England’s middle order to rebuild and dominate.
- Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, was under scrutiny for defensive field placements and conservative declarations.
- England’s decision to persist with aging seamers paid off, especially in the swinging conditions of Manchester and The Oval.
🧠 What This Series Taught Us
- Test cricket is alive and thriving. Packed stadiums, intense finishes, and passionate debates proved the longest format still holds fans in thrall.
- The new generation is here. Gill, Pant, Brook, and Jaiswal stood tall, showing temperament and flair under pressure.
- Leadership under fire. With both captains facing strategic criticisms, this series may shape how teams manage transition phases.
🌍 Reactions from Around the Cricketing World
- Sunil Gavaskar noted, “Unless India level the series on Day 5, we must admit England were the better team overall.”
- Graham Gooch praised Siraj for his relentless spirit, comparing his intensity to Ben Stokes.
- Media outlets in both countries hailed the series as a potential classic — “The Ashes of the East,” some dubbed it.
📊 Series Stats Summary
| Category | Player | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Run Scorer | Shubman Gill | 543 runs |
| Most Wickets | Ravindra Jadeja | 21 wickets |
| Best Bowling Figures | Mohammed Siraj (5/54) | 5/54, 4th Test |
| Best Partnership | Gill-Pant (195 runs) | 5th Test |
| Best Match | The Oval (5th Test) | Tied till Day 5 |
🏆 Final Verdict
With the series poised 2–1 in England’s favor heading into the final day of the fifth Test, the cricketing world waited with bated breath. Whether England complete a historic chase or India pull off a final-day miracle, this series will be remembered for its emotion, intensity, and excellence.
The India vs England 2025 Test Series has not only reshaped cricketing narratives but also rekindled global interest in Test match drama. For fans, pundits, and players alike, this was more than a series — it was a saga.