New-look India begin campaign without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma against England

Dubai: When Team India steps onto the field Thursday morning for the first Test of a five-match series against England, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill.

This fresh-faced Indian squad will be without two of its most iconic figures — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — who both retired last month. Their exit sparked intense debate over the timing, especially with such a crucial series looming. But with that chapter now closed, the spotlight shifts to this new generation and their ability to adapt to English conditions.

Gill, who now shoulders the responsibility of captaincy, will also take on the critical No. 4 spot in the batting order—a position long dominated by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, who amassed a combined 21,056 runs in 278 Tests from that slot. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant confirmed on Wednesday that Gill would indeed bat at No. 4 when the series opens at Headingley on Friday.

At just 25, Gill has a Test batting average of 35 across 32 matches. However, that figure dips to 29 in overseas games and plummets further to under 15 in his three previous appearances in England. His first task will be to ensure that the pressures of leadership don’t weigh down his performance, especially in a country where India has won only three Test series—1971, 1986, and 2007.

Still, Gill appears mentally prepared. “I believe in leading by example—not just in terms of performance, but also through discipline and hard work off the field,” he said last month. He’ll also have strong support from Pant, who is making a much-anticipated return after surviving a life-threatening car accident in 2022. Rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal will partner at the top of the order.

India's challenges go beyond the batting order. Their bowling attack will be tested, especially with limited warm-up time in English conditions. While Jasprit Bumrah remains a potent weapon, his involvement may be limited to just three Tests due to workload management after a back injury.

Spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from Tests, and pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out as he continues to recover from ankle surgery. This has raised concerns about India’s ability to take the 20 wickets needed to win a Test—concerns that also apply to their opponents.

England, who were hammered 4-1 in India last year, are looking to reverse their fortunes on home soil as they begin a new World Test Championship cycle. But they too face a bowling reshuffle, with the retirements of James Anderson and Stuart Broad—who together claimed 1,308 Test wickets—leaving a massive void.

“It feels good that both of them aren’t playing,” admitted Pant, “but England still have a capable attack. We can’t take anyone lightly, especially since our own team is still finding its feet.”

Injuries have also derailed England’s plans to unleash Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, both of whom are unavailable for the Headingley Test. Instead, Brydon Carse is set to make his home debut, with Chris Woakes—back from an ankle injury—leading the attack.

“There’s no hiding from the fact that England has relied heavily on Broad and Anderson for years. This is a less experienced attack,” said Carse. “But it’s a great opportunity for the next group to step up and make their mark.”

Even Broad, speaking to The Times, questioned England’s current firepower: “With all the injuries, where are they getting 20 wickets?”