The IND vs ENG 2025 Test series has been a captivating chapter in cricket history, showcasing India’s resilience and England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach. With the series poised at a critical juncture, the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, has drawn significant attention, particularly due to Indian captain Shubman Gill’s monumental batting achievements and the debut of young pacer Anshul Kamboj. This article explores Gill’s record-equalling century, Kamboj’s challenging introduction to Test cricket, and the broader context of the IND vs ENG series, weaving in insights from former players like Ravichandran Ashwin and the tactical nuances that defined the Manchester Test.
Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking Run in IND vs ENG 2025
Shubman Gill, at just 25, has cemented his place among cricketing legends during the IND vs ENG 2025 series. His fourth century of the series, scored in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, placed him in the elite company of Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar, as one of the few batters to achieve four Test centuries in a single series. This milestone, reported by the Times of India, underscores Gill’s transformation from a promising talent to India’s Test captain and batting linchpin.
Gill’s performance in the IND vs ENG series has been nothing short of extraordinary. His 269-run marathon in the second Test at Edgbaston set multiple records, including the highest score by an Indian captain in Tests, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 254* against South Africa in 2019. His aggregate of 430 runs in that match alone ranks as the second-highest by any batter in a single Test, trailing only Graham Gooch’s 456 against India in 1990. By the fourth Test, Gill’s series tally exceeded 600 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the first two matches of a series, behind Graeme Smith’s 621 in 2003.
In Manchester, Gill’s century was pivotal in keeping India competitive. Posts on X from the ICC highlight how his partnership with KL Rahul rewrote record books, helping India recover from early setbacks to secure a crucial draw. His ability to anchor the innings under pressure, especially with England leading 2-1, showcased his maturity as a leader. As Ravichandran Ashwin noted on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, “Shubman Gill should be proud of himself. A youngster leading for the first time away from home is allowed to have bad days, but he has kept this aside and batted like a champion”.
Gill’s tactical acumen as captain has also been evident. Despite criticism for his decision to hand the new ball to debutant Anshul Kamboj in the fourth Test, his leadership in the IND vs ENG series has kept India in contention. His batting heroics, combined with strategic inputs from coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar, have positioned India to fight for a series-levelling draw or win in Manchester.
Anshul Kamboj’s Test Debut: A Mixed Bag in IND vs ENG 2025
The IND vs ENG fourth Test saw the debut of 24-year-old Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj, a decision that sparked both excitement and debate. With key bowlers like Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy sidelined by injuries, India turned to Kamboj as a reinforcement. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed Kamboj was “very close to making his debut” on the eve of the match, highlighting the team’s confidence in his skill set.
Kamboj, a standout performer in domestic cricket with 74 wickets in 22 first-class matches, including a 10-wicket haul in a Ranji Trophy game, was seen as a potential game-changer. His performances for India A against England Lions and his stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 earned him praise from Ravichandran Ashwin, who compared his accuracy and wrist position to legends like Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah. “Anshul Kamboj understands the plan. Many bowlers with 30-40 Tests do not understand plans,” Ashwin said, emphasizing Kamboj’s ability to execute strategies.
However, Kamboj’s debut in the IND vs ENG Test was underwhelming. Handed the new ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah, he struggled early, conceding three boundaries in his first over to Ben Duckett. His average pace dropped to 125.34 kmph on day three, significantly lower than his IPL speeds of over 135 kmph, raising concerns about his readiness for Test cricket. In 18 overs, Kamboj took just one wicket (Duckett) while conceding 89 runs at an economy rate of 4.90, one of the less effective performances among India’s bowlers.
Ashwin, despite acknowledging the “highly debatable” decision to give Kamboj the new ball, defended the debutant. He argued that Kamboj’s wrist position and ability to swing the ball both ways justified Gill’s choice, especially as Mohammed Siraj is more effective with the older ball. “To expect Anshul Kamboj to bowl in tandem with Jassi (Bumrah) against Bazball on debut? It’s a lot,” Ashwin said, urging fans to temper expectations. He further emphasized Kamboj’s resilience, noting that he found his rhythm later in the day and could take wickets if conditions favored bowlers on day three.
Kamboj’s debut was a stark reminder of the challenges young pacers face in English conditions, where seam movement and discipline are critical. His selection over Prasidh Krishna, who had played earlier in the IND vs ENG series, surprised many, with ESPNcricinfo calling it one of the “shocking selection calls in a decade” due to Kamboj’s lack of pace and impact. Yet, voices like CSK coach Stephen Fleming and captain MS Dhoni praised Kamboj’s deceptive seam movement and heavy ball, suggesting potential for growth.
The Tactical Context of IND vs ENG 2025
The IND vs ENG series has been defined by India’s fight to overcome injury setbacks and England’s aggressive batting. With England leading 2-1 after the third Test at Lord’s, the fourth Test was a must-win for India to stay in contention for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India’s bowling unit, depleted by injuries to Akash Deep (groin), Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy (knee), relied heavily on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Kamboj and Shardul Thakur as supporting pacers.
Gill’s decision to include Kamboj over Krishna was influenced by the former’s domestic form and India A performances, where he took five wickets against England Lions. However, India’s bowling strategy faltered against England’s “Bazball” approach, with batters like Duckett and Joe Root capitalizing on Kamboj’s inexperience. Ashwin noted that India’s bowling depth has been inconsistent, with the team relying on “freakish occurrences” like Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul in Birmingham to secure wins.
Batting-wise, India showed resilience. Gill’s century, alongside contributions from KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, secured a draw in Manchester, as highlighted by the ICC. This effort was crucial after India’s collapse to 82 for 7 in the Lord’s Test, where Jadeja’s 61 and lower-order partnerships nearly pulled off a miraculous chase. Gill’s leadership in stabilizing the innings under pressure has been a highlight of the IND vs ENG series, earning praise from Ashwin and others for his ability to lead a young side.
Ashwin’s Perspective: Balancing Support and Critique
Ravichandran Ashwin’s commentary on the IND vs ENG series, particularly through his YouTube channel, has provided a nuanced perspective on India’s performance. His support for Kamboj, despite the pacer’s struggles, reflects a broader call for patience with young talents. “Even if Anshul plays ten Tests and doesn’t do great, it’s okay. A boy from Haryana has put so much effort to make it to India. It’s a success story,” Ashwin said, emphasizing the need to back players during tough times.
Ashwin also defended Gill’s captaincy, acknowledging the challenges of leading a young team in England. “Almost in every game we are in a position to win… Shubman Gill should be proud of himself,” he said, highlighting India’s competitiveness despite injury woes. His comparison of Kamboj to Zaheer Khan and Bumrah focused on the pacer’s ability to hit consistent lengths and execute plans, a rare trait among young bowlers.
However, Ashwin didn’t shy away from critiquing tactical decisions. He called Gill’s choice to give Kamboj the new ball “highly debatable,” though he saw merit in leveraging Kamboj’s swing bowling early on. This balance of support and constructive criticism underscores Ashwin’s role as a mentor figure, drawing from his experience as Kamboj’s CSK teammate.
The Broader IND vs ENG Narrative
The IND vs ENG 2025 series has been a test of India’s adaptability in challenging conditions. The absence of key players like Mohammed Shami, whose international career is uncertain due to injury concerns, has forced India to rely on emerging talents like Kamboj. The team’s batting depth, with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan, has been a strength, but the bowling unit’s inconsistency has been a concern.
England’s aggressive approach, led by Ben Stokes and fueled by batters like Harry Brook and Joe Root, has put India’s bowlers under pressure. The Manchester Test, with its damp pitches and variable conditions, tested both teams’ strategies. India’s decision to include all-rounders like Jadeja and Sundar provided batting stability but stretched the bowling resources thin.
Gill’s leadership has been a silver lining. His ability to score runs consistently while managing a depleted squad has drawn comparisons to India’s great captains. The ICC noted his century in Manchester as a moment that “levelled him with India’s cricketing greats”. As the series heads to its final Test, India’s chances of squaring it depend on Gill’s form and the bowlers’ ability to step up.
Looking Ahead in IND vs ENG 2025
The IND vs ENG 2025 series has showcased the highs and lows of Test cricket, from Gill’s historic batting feats to Kamboj’s challenging debut. Gill’s emergence as a leader and batter has been the defining narrative, with his four centuries placing him among the game’s elite. Kamboj, despite a tough start, represents the potential of India’s next generation of pacers, with Ashwin’s backing highlighting the importance of nurturing talent.
As India prepares for the final Test, the focus will be on maintaining batting momentum and addressing bowling inconsistencies. The IND vs ENG series has been a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance and setbacks shaping a compelling contest. Whether India can level the series or England clinches the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the performances of Gill, Kamboj, and the team will leave a lasting impact on Indian cricket’s future.
