The Indian cricket team’s tour of England in June 2025 marks a significant transition, with the retirement of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leaving a void in experience and leadership. Stepping into this new era, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill have emerged as pivotal figures, not only for their batting prowess but also for their roles as leaders on the field. Former Indian selector Devang Gandhi highlighted a key advantage for both players during the first Test at Headingley: their newfound batting stability due to fixed positions in the lineup. This article delves into how Rahul and Gill are shaping India’s Test campaign in England, their performances, leadership dynamics, and the challenges they face in this crucial World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
A New Dawn for Indian Cricket
The Indian Test team is at a crossroads, with a young squad led by debutant captain Shubman Gill facing a formidable five-match series against England. The series, renamed the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, is the first major challenge of the 2025-27 WTC cycle. With veterans like Kohli (9,230 Test runs) and Sharma no longer in the side, the onus is on younger players to step up. Gill, appointed captain over vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah due to concerns over Bumrah’s workload, and KL Rahul, a seasoned campaigner, are central to India’s hopes. Their centuries in the first Test at Headingley, despite a losing cause, signal a promising future.
Former selector Devang Gandhi, speaking to the Times of India, emphasized the psychological boost Rahul and Gill have gained from their fixed batting positions. Rahul, who has often shuffled between numbers 3 and 6, has now solidified his role as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill, slotted at number 4, fills the shoes of Kohli, a position that demands consistency and leadership. Gandhi noted, “Prior to this series, Rahul never had a fixed batting position… Now it was confirmed that he will open and lead the bat, and that was seen in his batting.” This clarity has allowed both players to approach their innings with confidence, reflected in their centuries in the first Test.
Rahul and Gill’s Performances in the First Test
The first Test at Headingley saw India post a competitive total, driven by centuries from Gill and Jaiswal, with Rahul also contributing significantly. Despite India’s loss, as England chased down 371 runs led by Ben Duckett’s explosive 149, Rahul and Gill’s performances stood out. Rahul’s second-innings knock of 47 not out showcased his elegance and adaptability, with former England opener Nick Knight praising his technique as “tailor-made for English conditions.” His cover drives and square drives were described as “perfection in motion” by Sanjay Manjrekar, highlighting Rahul’s ability to thrive in seaming conditions.
Gill, meanwhile, marked his Test captaincy debut with a sparkling century, a moment of emotional release after years of grooming for leadership. His cover drives, reminiscent of Kohli’s elegance, underscored his potential as a mainstay at number 4. The BBC noted that Gill’s century outside Asia was a testament to his growing stature, with his pre-match calmness translating into composed batting. However, his captaincy came under scrutiny, particularly on Day 5, where his reactive field placements drew criticism from former players like Murali Karthik.
Leadership Dynamics: Rahul’s On-Field Influence
One of the most discussed aspects of the first Test was the leadership dynamic, with Rahul taking a proactive role in field settings despite Gill being the designated captain and Rishabh Pant the vice-captain. Reports from Hindustan Times and India.com noted Rahul’s initiative in marshalling the troops, particularly after a rain break in the second session on Day 5. His actions, including calling a team huddle and adjusting field placements, led to India breaking England’s opening partnership when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Zak Crawley. Nasser Hussain commented, “If you see the field now, you will find out who is doing captaincy, it’s KL Rahul.”
This raised questions about Gill’s authority, with Murali Karthik on Cricbuzz noting, “At one point, it looked like there was more than one captain on the field… These aren’t great signs.” Karthik criticized Gill’s reactive approach, suggesting he was “following the ball” rather than setting proactive fields. However, Rahul’s involvement was not seen as undermining Gill but rather as a senior player stepping up, leveraging his experience as a former captain in all formats. Rahul had previously assured Gill, “You will always find me around, any help, any guidance… I’m always there,” a promise he fulfilled on the field.
Fixed Batting Positions: A Game-Changer
The stability of fixed batting positions has been a significant factor in Rahul and Gill’s performances. The following table summarizes their roles and contributions in the first Test:
Player | Batting Position | 1st Test Performance | Key Strengths | Leadership Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
KL Rahul | Opener | 47* (2nd innings) | Elegant strokeplay, suited to English conditions | Senior player, tactical field settings |
Shubman Gill | No. 4 | Century (1st innings) | Composed batting, cover drives | Test captain, debutant |
Rahul’s role as an opener has allowed him to settle into a rhythm, avoiding the uncertainty of batting lower down the order. His preparation, including a century for India A against England Lions and a fifty in the intra-squad match at Beckenham, showcased his form. Gill, at number 4, benefits from a less pressure-intensive slot compared to opening or number 3, which Ricky Ponting suggested could ease his captaincy burden. This clarity has translated into confident performances, though India’s loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in bowling and fielding.
Challenges Ahead: Captaincy and Team Balance
Despite their batting success, Gill’s captaincy faces scrutiny. Former selector Kiran More argued that Rahul, with his experience leading India in 2022, would have been a safer choice for captaincy, allowing Gill to focus on batting and gain experience as vice-captain. More stated, “Gill hasn’t done enough in Test cricket yet… KL Rahul is the right choice.” Conversely, Saba Karim supported Gill’s appointment, citing his IPL leadership with Gujarat Titans as evidence of his readiness. The debate underscores the pressure on Gill to balance batting and captaincy in a challenging series.
India’s bowling unit also poses concerns. With Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being managed, the pace attack relies on Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and others, none of whom match Bumrah’s impact. Shardul Thakur’s underutilization in the first Test drew criticism from Dinesh Karthik, who questioned his inclusion if his bowling wasn’t trusted. The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav offers promise, but their effectiveness in English conditions remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead: Can India Bounce Back?
The first Test loss at Headingley, where England chased 371, exposed India’s vulnerabilities, particularly in bowling and fielding. Sunil Gavaskar criticized the team’s “disciplinary errors,” while Michael Clarke advocated for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the second Test at Edgbaston. The absence of Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar in the women’s series further highlights India’s injury concerns, though the men’s team has depth with players like Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Reddy.
Rahul’s leadership on the field and Gill’s batting form provide hope, but the team must address tactical shortcomings. Former coach Bharat Arun expressed confidence in Gill and Pant’s readiness, citing their IPL performances, but warned that England’s “Bazball” approach under Ben Stokes demands adaptability. Stokes’ aggressive tactics and England’s strong home record since 2022 make the series a steep challenge.
A Defining Series for Rahul and Gill
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are at the forefront of India’s new Test era, with their fixed batting positions providing a foundation for success. Rahul’s elegance and experience, combined with Gill’s composure and potential, make them the cornerstones of India’s batting lineup. However, the leadership dynamics and bowling challenges highlight areas for growth. As India prepares for the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2, the focus will be on Gill’s ability to lead proactively and Rahul’s continued influence, both with the bat and in the field. A series win in England, a feat last achieved in 1971, would cement their legacy and mark a successful start to the WTC cycle.
The performances of Rahul and Gill in the first Test, coupled with their newfound batting security, suggest that India’s future is in capable hands. Yet, as Devang Gandhi noted, their ability to feel “more secure” in their roles will be tested in the cauldron of English conditions. With four Tests remaining, this series will define their roles as leaders and batsmen in India’s evolving Test narrative.
