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IIE DIGITAL DESK :  June 20, 2025: The highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England kicked off today at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, with Team India embarking on a new chapter under the leadership of Shubman Gill. The 25-year-old opening batter, taking over Test captaincy duties after Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format, received an emotional welcome from fans and teammates alike as he stepped onto the field to lead India for the first time.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat first under overcast skies, Gill’s decision reflected confidence and a clear intent to set the tone early in the series. Despite the conditions favouring swing, India made a composed start, reaching 128/2 at lunch on Day 1. The top order displayed a mix of caution and controlled aggression, with Gill himself leading from the front.

Gill, opening alongside the ever-dependable Yashasvi Jaiswal, anchored the innings with a measured knock. His early strokeplay against England’s veteran pacers James Anderson and Ollie Robinson showed maturity and adaptability. Jaiswal, who had impressed in the last home series, contributed a quick 39 before edging one to slips off a sharp delivery from Mark Wood.

Cheteshwar Pujara, recalled to provide experience in the top order, steadied the innings further. His partnership with Gill helped India navigate a tricky first session with discipline and determination. By lunch, Gill remained unbeaten on 56*, having reached his half-century with a sublime cover drive — his first as Test captain.

For England, the bowling lacked venom early on. Though Anderson found some movement, and Wood generated raw pace, the Indian batters showed restraint. England’s new captain, Ben Stokes, made frequent bowling changes in search of a breakthrough, but India’s top order remained firm. England did manage to dismiss Jaiswal and Pujara before the break, giving them some consolation ahead of the second session.

Gill’s elevation to captaincy marks a generational shift in Indian cricket. Seen by many as the long-term successor to Rohit and Virat Kohli, Gill’s calm temperament and modern batting style make him an ideal figure to lead India in the new World Test Championship cycle. This series is being watched closely not only for its high-stakes cricket but also for signs of how the Indian Test team will evolve under his leadership.

This match is also significant as it sees the return of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the last series due to injury. India’s bowling attack, which includes Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and the in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav, will look to take advantage of the English conditions once they get to bowl.

The crowd at Trent Bridge, heavily dominated by Indian supporters, witnessed an engaging morning session that balanced English resilience with India’s fresh intent. The conditions remain overcast, which may continue to assist seamers later in the day.

As the match unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Shubman Gill — not just for his role as a batter, but as the torchbearer of India's Test future. Early signs from his captaincy — calm field settings, confident decisions, and personal form — have reassured fans that the transition from one era to another may be smoother than many feared.

With four more days of high-quality cricket expected, this first day has already given plenty of reasons for both nations to be excited. For now, all eyes remain on Gill as he attempts to guide India to a strong first-innings total on debut as Test captain.