Top Moments from the India–England Test Series

When Shubman Gill’s young Indian team landed in England two months ago, expectations were modest at best. Facing a seasoned English side in their own backyard, many believed survival would be the priority. Yet, after five gripping Tests spread over 45 days, the series ended 2–2 — a result that both captains, Gill and Ben Stokes, admitted was fair after the bruising contest.

The journey wasn’t without its stumbles. The series-openers at Leeds and the third Test at Lord’s slipped through India’s grasp, but the fightbacks at Old Trafford and The Oval defined the spirit of this side. Here’s a look back at the standout moments and performances that shaped an unforgettable series.

1. Captain Gill’s Coming of Age

In his first series as Test captain, Shubman Gill silenced doubts about his batting in English conditions. A commanding 147 in the opening innings of the tour set the tone, followed by a double hundred and another century in the emphatic Edgbaston win. His gritty, match-saving 103 in Manchester cemented his status as the backbone of India’s batting, finishing with 754 runs in 10 innings.

As captain, Gill kept things simple — like refusing the new ball at The Oval when the old one was working for Siraj and Prasidh — showing maturity beyond his experience. While still a work in progress as a leader, he’s already earned the respect of his dressing room.

2. Siraj’s Relentless Spellwork

Mohammed Siraj was India’s iron man — the only fast bowler from either side to play all five Tests. Without Jasprit Bumrah for two matches, Siraj shouldered the workload with gusto, finishing as the series’ top wicket-taker with 23 scalps. His willingness to bowl extra overs when needed epitomized the selfless grit India required. If the future of India’s pace attack needs a shepherd, Siraj is ready.

3. Jadeja, the Rock in the Middle

With stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, Ravindra Jadeja stepped into the void. Scoring 516 runs, including five fifties and a fighting hundred at Old Trafford, Jadeja was India’s crisis man. Averaging the highest among Indian batters and remaining not out four times, he was the anchor whenever the top order faltered.

4. Tempers Boil at Lord’s

The competitiveness of the series spiked during the third day’s final over at Lord’s. A tense exchange saw Gill telling Zak Crawley to “grow some ****” and the Indian team sarcastically clapping at the England opener’s time-wasting. From then on, verbal sparring became part of the narrative, adding an extra layer of spice to an already intense rivalry.

5. Pant and Woakes – Heroes in Pain

Two acts of raw courage became defining images of the series. Rishabh Pant, batting with a fractured foot, added crucial runs in Manchester. In the final Test, Chris Woakes — already ruled out with a shoulder injury — walked in to bat with his left arm in a sling, fighting to keep England’s hopes alive. These moments of defiance summed up the grit of both sides.

6. Rahul’s Assurance at the Top

K L Rahul’s batting was a masterclass in playing the moving ball. His discipline and compact technique frustrated bowlers and anchored innings. With over 500 runs, including two centuries, he was a model of consistency and composure at the top.

7. Washington Sundar – The Lower-Order Glue

Washington Sundar proved India’s commitment to batting depth wasn’t misplaced. His hundred with Jadeja at Old Trafford saved the match, and his attacking flair at The Oval showed adaptability. Add to that his handy off-spin in Manchester, and Sundar looks set to be a fixture in the XI.

A Series to Remember

The 2025 India–England Test series will be remembered not just for the runs and wickets, but for its character-defining moments — comebacks from dire situations, acts of bravery, and flashes of raw emotion. For Gill’s young side, it wasn’t just about leveling a series in England; it was about proving they belonged, and in the process, laying a blueprint for the future.