Top 5 Players to Watch: England vs India Test Series 2025

The 2025 England–India Test series promises riveting cricket action. Here are five standout players who will significantly influence the series outcome—based on current form, past performances, and impact potential.

Shubman Gill (India Captain & Opener)

Gill has taken the mantle as India’s Test leader with blazing authority. He smashed an unbeaten 127 at Headingley and followed with another 114* at Edgbaston, becoming only the fourth Indian captain to open with centuries in back-to-back Tests in England. His monumental 269 at Edgbaston—India’s highest by a visiting batter in England—alongside Ravindra Jadeja, put India in a near-unchallenged position.

Why watch? Gill’s steady technique and scoring mind position him as the series' batting linchpin. His leadership under pressure also symbolizes India’s new Test era.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (India Opener)

Coming into the series in electric form—boasting consecutive double-centuries during the home Tests—Jaiswal remains a megastar. His 214*, 209, 80, and 73 displayed both endurance and flair, including 20 sixes across that series.

Why watch? If Jaiswal clicks on these tour pitches, he’ll post big innings early and set the tone for India’s batting operations.

Joe Root (England Number 4)

Root remains England’s most dependable batter. Accumulating 1,968 WTC runs at an average of 54.66, his classic technique and innings-building will be vital. He posted steady scores in the series opener and remains key to England’s middle order resilience .

Why watch? Root’s form could determine England’s recovery—against both new-ball challenges and India’s spin.

Harry Brook (England Middle Order)

Brook has smashed onto the scene, averaging over 50 and even nearing 600+ runs. His explosive 99 at Headingley helped propel the massive chase, and he’s now a key Bazball artisan.

Why watch? Brook balances aggression and temperance—his performance could shift momentum sharply in Tests.

Jasprit Bumrah (India Strike Bowler)

Though managed across the series due to workload, Bumrah remains India’s premier pacer. With 77 WTC wickets and a 15.09 average, he’s their primary wicket-taking threat early on. His 5/83 at Leeds in the first Test reaffirmed his menace.

Why watch? Bumrah's skill combo—reverse swing, accuracy, shape—is a pitchbreaker, especially in English conditions.

Honorable Mentions

• Ben Duckett (England opener) delivered a brilliant 149 in the first Test and offers solidity at the top.
   
• Ravindra Jadeja (India all-rounder) was critical in Edgbaston with both bat (89) and ball; his spin continues to threaten in middle overs .
   
• Chris Woakes & Shoaib Bashir (England bowlers) will be under the spotlight for seam control and off-spin variation.
   
• Washington Sundar, used as impact spinner at Edgbaston, may see more spells in middle overs.
   

Why These Five Matter Most

• Leadership: Gill and Root anchor their teams' batting and strategic direction.
   
• Form & Momentum: Jaiswal, Brook, Duckett riding hot runs.
   
• Bowling dominance: Bumrah and Root’s seamers will strive to threaten early.
   
• Series trajectories: England lead 1–0; India must respond strong with spin depth and leadership execution.
   
• Context: The series also delivers essential World Test Championship points.
   

What to Watch in Upcoming Tests

• Top-order starts: How Gill and Jaiswal counter the moving ball.
   
• Middle-order resilience: Root, Brook, Pant’s ability to steady or accelerate.
   
• Pace vs spin balance: Can England manage India’s spin lifters? Will Bumrah strike early?
   
• Leadership footwork: Tactical captaincy from Root and Gill in toss decisions and bowling fields.
   

Final Take

This England–India series is a contrast of eras and styles—Bazball aggression meets India’s composed skill. With the top five listed, each brings compelling narratives and match-winner potential. Track their performance closely—they'll likely define the series outcome.