In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cricket, the 2025 India vs. England Test series, known as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, marked a defining moment for Shubman Gill. At just 25 years old, Gill stepped into the colossal shoes of predecessors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, taking on the mantle of Test captaincy. His leadership was put to the ultimate test in a challenging five-match series in England, where India faced the absence of their premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, for key matches. Former England spinner Monty Panesar hailed India’s ability to secure victories without Bumrah as Gill’s greatest achievement as captain, with Mohammed Siraj emerging as the linchpin of the bowling attack. This article delves into Gill’s captaincy, the pivotal role of Siraj, and the broader implications for Indian cricket’s future.
The Context: A New Era for Indian Cricket
Indian cricket has been in a phase of transition, with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Shami either retiring or being phased out. The 2025 tour of England was a litmus test for the new generation, with Gill at the helm. Tasked with leading a relatively young squad against a formidable England side, Gill faced immense pressure. The absence of Bumrah, widely regarded as the world’s best bowler, added another layer of complexity. Bumrah’s injury history and workload management meant he was available for only three of the five Tests, leaving India to rely on a relatively untested bowling unit.
The series began on a challenging note, with India suffering a defeat in the first Test at Leeds. England chased down a 371-run target, highlighting India’s bowling struggles without Bumrah. Critics, including Sanjay Manjrekar, pointed to Gill’s defensive captaincy as a contributing factor. However, the young captain’s ability to learn and adapt would soon become evident, culminating in a series-defining performance that showcased India’s resilience and depth.
The Edgbaston Triumph: A Turning Point
The second Test at Edgbaston was a make-or-break moment for Gill’s captaincy. With Bumrah rested for workload management, India faced a daunting task at a venue where they had never won a Test match. The historical “Edgbaston curse” loomed large, with India’s previous visits resulting in heavy defeats. However, Gill’s leadership and the performances of debutant Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj turned the tide.
Gill led from the front with the bat, scoring 269 and 161 in the match, setting a mammoth target of 608 for England. The bowling unit, sans Bumrah, stepped up spectacularly. Akash Deep delivered a stunning 10-wicket haul (10/187), including 6/99 in the second innings, becoming only the second Indian bowler to achieve this feat in England. Mohammed Siraj complemented this effort with a six-wicket haul in the first innings. India’s 336-run victory was their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston and their biggest away win by runs, leveling the series at 1-1.
Gill’s post-match comments reflected his team-first mentality: “Without Jasprit bhai, there were a lot of questions about whether we could do the job. The way these two guys delivered was just outstanding. I have no words to describe.” This victory silenced doubters and showcased Gill’s ability to galvanize his team in the face of adversity.
Mohammed Siraj: The New Spearhead
Mohammed Siraj emerged as the cornerstone of India’s bowling attack in the 2025 series. With Bumrah’s participation limited, Siraj shouldered the responsibility of leading the pace attack. His performance across the series was nothing short of remarkable, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps in five Tests. His standout moment came in the fifth Test at The Oval, where he bowled over 1000 deliveries and claimed a match-defining fifer, securing a thrilling six-run victory to draw the series 2-2.
Panesar, in an interview with Hindustan Times, emphasized Siraj’s importance: “India need Siraj more than Bumrah for overseas Test matches. His fitness is very important. They’ve got to build an attack around him.” Siraj’s ability to bowl long spells, maintain intensity, and deliver under pressure earned him widespread praise. Gill himself lauded Siraj, stating, “I always believe in Siraj bhai,” echoing the pacer’s own words from the 2024 T20 World Cup about believing in “Jassi bhai” (Bumrah).
Siraj’s evolution from Bumrah’s deputy to the leader of the pace attack highlighted India’s bowling depth. His fiery spell at The Oval, coupled with Prasidh Krishna’s four wickets, ensured India avoided a series loss. This performance underscored Panesar’s assertion that Gill’s greatest achievement was proving India could win without Bumrah, with Siraj as the key.
Gill’s Captaincy: Challenges and Growth
Gill’s captaincy was not without criticism. In the first Test at Leeds, Sanjay Manjrekar criticized his defensive field placements, comparing them unfavorably to Virat Kohli’s aggressive approach. The third Test at Lord’s saw further scrutiny when a controversial ball change, initiated by Siraj without consulting Bumrah, swung momentum toward England. Former England pacer Steve Harmison lambasted Gill’s decision-making, stating, “I’ve got no sympathy for India. Siraj didn’t even consult Bumrah.”
Despite these setbacks, Gill demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. His ability to rally his team after the Leeds loss and orchestrate a historic win at Edgbaston showcased his leadership potential. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting backed Gill’s appointment, citing Bumrah’s injury concerns as a reason to avoid burdening him with captaincy. Ponting told The ICC Review, “Bumrah’s injuries are holding him back a bit. You can’t have a captain missing games here and there, so I think it’s the right decision.”
Gill’s batting prowess was another cornerstone of his captaincy. Scoring 754 runs, including four centuries, he finished as the series’ leading run-scorer and was named Player of the Series by England coach Brendon McCullum. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria praised Gill’s leadership, noting, “Gill carried India without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.” His ability to balance personal performance with team leadership drew comparisons to Kohli’s successful tenure as captain.
The Oval Finale: A Testament to Resilience
The fifth Test at The Oval was the culmination of India’s fighting spirit. With the series on the line and Bumrah likely rested, India faced a depleted England side missing Ben Stokes. Gill’s team showcased their batting depth, with centuries from Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. The bowling unit, led by Siraj’s fifer and supported by Prasidh Krishna, clinched a dramatic six-run victory, drawing the series 2-2.
England coach Brendon McCullum called it “one of the all-time great Test matches,” while Gill reflected on the pressure his team faced: “There was pressure, but we never doubted our ability to win.” This victory was a testament to India’s ability to compete without their star pacer, reinforcing Panesar’s claim that Gill’s greatest achievement was proving India’s strength in Bumrah’s absence.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Future Under Shubman Gill
Gill’s captaincy in the 2025 series marked the dawn of a new era for Indian cricket. The transition from the Kohli-Sharma era to a younger, dynamic squad was not without challenges, but Gill’s leadership provided a glimpse of a promising future. His ability to inspire performances from players like Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna highlighted the depth in India’s talent pool.
The series also sparked debates about captaincy choices. While the BCCI opted for Gill, experts like Monty Panesar and Ishant Sharma argued for Bumrah, citing his experience and impact. Panesar suggested that Gill should have served as Bumrah’s understudy to refine his batting before taking on leadership. However, Gill’s success in leading India to a series draw, coupled with his batting heroics, justified the BCCI’s faith in him.
Sourav Ganguly’s advice to Gill—to use Bumrah sparingly as a wicket-taker—proved prescient. Gill’s tactical acumen in managing his bowlers, particularly in Bumrah’s absence, was a significant factor in India’s success. The emergence of Siraj as a leader and Akash Deep as a potent force further alleviated concerns about India’s reliance on Bumrah.
Looking Ahead
Shubman Gill’s captaincy in the 2025 India vs. England Test series was a defining chapter in his career and Indian cricket’s evolution. His ability to lead a young team to a 2-2 series draw, despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, earned him accolades from cricketing luminaries like Monty Panesar. Mohammed Siraj’s emergence as the spearhead of the bowling attack was a testament to India’s depth and Gill’s leadership. As Indian cricket looks to the future, Gill’s blend of tactical nous, batting brilliance, and ability to inspire his team positions him as a worthy successor to India’s cricketing greats. The 2025 series was not just a triumph over England but a statement that India can thrive, with or without their star pacer, under the stewardship of Shubman Gill.
