India VS England Tests: Can India do the unthinkable in 2025, which they failed to do in 2022?

India’s Test team stands tall as one of the most formidable units in world cricket today. With a blend of experienced and youthful exuberance, the side has consistently dominated at home and made significant strides overseas. Led by a tactically sharp captaincy of Rohit Sharma and backed by a strong core of batters and a world-class pace attack, India’s red-ball side is no longer just a “home bully.” The only question that remains: can they finally conquer the final frontier in England?

The English Jinx: A Mixed Record in the UK

India's Test record in England has been patchy at best. In the last 10 Test matches played in England, India have managed just 3 wins, losing 6 and drawing 1. The 2021–22 series was a missed opportunity. After leading 2-1, India lost the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston, allowing England to draw the series 2-2. Historically, India has won only 8 Test matches in England out of 68, with England winning 36 and 24 ending in draws. India last won a test series in England back in 2007 under the leadership of Rahul Dravid, where India won 1-0 in a 3-match series. 

However, India's recent overseas performances, including their triumphs in Australia (2020–21 and 2018–19) have shown that they are no longer intimidated by foreign conditions. The bowling unit, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and a rejuvenated Mohammed Siraj, offers pace, swing, and hostility all critical in English conditions.

Can Sai Sudharsan Be India’s X-Factor?

With Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane now fading from the picture, India may consider grooming younger batters for India's middle order. One such option could be Tamil Nadu’s Sai Sudharsan. Though untested in Tests, Sudharsan has impressed with his temperament in domestic cricket and shown maturity in pressure situations in the IPL and India A tours.

Sudharsan has averaged over 40 in first-class cricket and has the technique to play late, which is vital in English conditions. If India are planning for the future, blooding him in a couple of low-stakes matches could pay off handsomely in the long run.

Prasidh Krishna: A Dark Horse for England Tour?

Another name that could enter the Test frame is Prasidh Krishna. Known for his height, bounce, and ability to hit the deck hard, Krishna offers a different dimension compared to India’s traditional seamers. He made his Test debut against South Africa in 2023 but was sidelined due to injury concerns.

Ready for Revenge or Rebuilding?

India's batting depth, with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant remains strong. If they can adapt to the swinging Dukes ball and play long innings, something they’ve struggled with in England, they’ll stand a serious chance of turning the tide.

With a potent bowling attack in the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, improved bench strength, and a hunger for overseas success, India look better prepared than ever to challenge England on their home turf. But only time will tell whether this team can seize the moment or if the wait for a series win in England will continue.