ENG Vs IND 2025: Sachin Tendulkar Relishes India’s Control While Sourav Ganguly Responds With Daring Prediction

The historic Headingley ground in Leeds was witness to a new dawn in Indian Test cricket as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal lit up Day 1 of the first Test against England with majestic centuries. This match marks the beginning of a new chapter for India—without the pillars of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—as Gill leads a young and dynamic side into a highly anticipated five-match series.

India ended Day 1 on a commanding note, posting 317/3, with Gill and Jaiswal orchestrating a dominant batting performance that evoked memories of some of India’s greatest overseas triumphs.

A Captain’s Knock: Shubman Gill Makes History

At 25 years and 285 days, Shubman Gill became only the fifth Indian to score a century in his first innings as Test captain—joining a legendary list that includes Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Virat Kohli. Gill’s unbeaten 127 off 175 balls, laced with 17 crisp boundaries and one six, was a masterclass in control, elegance, and poise under pressure.

What made Gill’s knock even more significant was the context: it was his first Test century outside Asia, his third against England, and came amid scrutiny over his promotion as India’s 37th Test captain in the aftermath of Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Many had questioned whether Gill had the temperament and consistency to lead India abroad—this innings has answered those critics in emphatic fashion.

His innings also marked a personal milestone—crossing 2,000 Test runs—a feat he achieved in just 38 innings, becoming one of the fastest Indians to do so.

Jaiswal’s Record-Breaking Ton Adds to the Spectacle

If Gill provided the anchor, Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered the fireworks. The 22-year-old left-hander continued his meteoric rise in Test cricket with a dazzling 101 off 159 balls, studded with 13 boundaries and two sixes. His innings, full of swagger and resilience, was his fifth Test century—and third against England—cementing his status as India’s most exciting young Test batter since Kohli’s debut era.

But it wasn’t just the runs that made headlines—it was the history. Jaiswal became the first visiting batter to score centuries in his maiden Tests in both Australia and England. After his sensational 161 in Perth earlier this year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, this Headingley ton only reaffirmed his elite ability to conquer foreign conditions.

Despite suffering from cramps in both hands and visibly struggling in the final stages of his innings, Jaiswal refused to yield, playing with the same attacking flair that has defined his short but dazzling Test career. His dismissal, caught by Pope off Stokes, ended a 129-run partnership with Gill for the third wicket that had completely shifted momentum in India’s favour.

Sudharsan Falls Early, Rahul Solid

Earlier in the day, India were rocked briefly when debutant B Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for 11 by Ben Stokes—caught at second slip after a tentative poke outside off. The pressure was building, especially after KL Rahul, who had started well, was dismissed for 39 off Brydon Carse.

However, the Gill–Jaiswal partnership took the pressure off and built the innings back up in style. Their complementary styles—Gill’s composure and Jaiswal’s controlled aggression—kept the scoreboard ticking and forced England’s bowlers into defensive lines.

Pant, Nair in Focus as Ganguly Predicts 4 Centurions

India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant, batting at No. 5, ended the day unbeaten on 65 off 78 balls—an innings full of signature flicks, drives, and fearless counterpunching. His half-century has put him on the brink of his first century since returning from injury. Former captain Sourav Ganguly, always one to back his boys, made a bold prediction on social media: “I think we’ll see 4 centurions today. Pant and Nair could be the next two.”

The light-hearted Twitter banter began with Sachin Tendulkar—part of the famous trio (with Ganguly and Dravid) that scored centuries at Headingley in India’s iconic 2002 win—posting: “Two down. Who will be the third centurion this time at Headingley?”

Ganguly, never one to miss a moment, cheekily responded: “Maybe four! Pant is close, and Karun Nair’s got the stage.”

The reference to Karun Nair was a poignant one. The Karnataka batter is playing his first Test in over eight years, last seen in whites against Australia in Dharamsala back in March 2017. His return is among the most emotional storylines of the tour—a second chance after years in domestic cricket wilderness.

England’s Bowlers Struggle to Find Answers

It wasn’t for lack of effort, but England’s bowlers couldn’t build sustained pressure. Ben Stokes was their most effective bowler, picking up 2/43 in 13 overs, removing both Sudharsan and Jaiswal. His energy and short-ball bursts gave England brief lifelines.

Brydon Carse, playing his first Test on home soil, bowled with pace and bounce but lacked control in patches. His lone success came in the form of KL Rahul, caught behind. Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes failed to create regular chances, while Shoaib Bashir, their lone spinner, went wicketless on a surface offering little turn.

A New Era, A Familiar Dominance

The subtext to India’s performance is perhaps the most intriguing—a new era of Test cricket, unfolding in a historically symbolic venue. With Kohli and Rohit no longer around, and Bumrah stepping away from captaincy duties, this team—led by Gill and Pant, driven by Jaiswal’s fearlessness and Sudharsan’s raw hunger—is a canvas of fresh energy and renewed purpose.

This dominance wasn’t just about scoring runs. It was about staking a claim, sending a message, and seizing control in a high-pressure overseas Test. The way India dictated terms, managed sessions, and responded to mini-collapses showed a maturity that belied the team’s inexperience in English conditions.

What to Expect on Day 2: Can India Push for 500?

With Pant already at 65* and Nair yet to face a ball, the possibility of India breaching 500 looks realistic. The pitch, while assisting seamers early, has settled into a good batting surface. If India can bat into Tea on Day 2, they will be in a commanding position.

Expectations will also revolve around whether:

Pant can convert his fifty into a memorable ton;
Karun Nair can complete a fairytale return;
India’s bowlers—Bumrah, Siraj, and possibly Arshdeep—can exploit English conditions under cloud cover.

England, meanwhile, need early breakthroughs and tighter lines. The lack of a true pace spearhead in James Anderson’s absence has left their attack looking one-dimensional.

Final Scorecard at Stumps, Day 1:

India – 317/3 (90 overs)

Shubman Gill – 127 (175)*
Yashasvi Jaiswal – 101 (159)
Rishabh Pant – 65 (78)*
KL Rahul – 42
Sai Sudharsan – 11
Extras – 10
Ben Stokes – 2/43, Brydon Carse – 1/56

A Day to Remember for India

As the sun set over Headingley, there was no mistaking the significance of what had just transpired. India had not only dominated England—they had introduced a new generation to the world, ready to carry forward the legacy of giants. From Tendulkar’s nostalgia to Ganguly’s cheeky confidence, the air around Indian cricket feels charged, hopeful, and ready for the future.

If Day 1 was any indication, Gill’s captaincy era may not only begin on a winning note—but a historic one.

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