This five-match series promises thrilling cricket as India returns to English soil for the first time since the one-off Test in 2022. A lot has changed for the Indian Test side since then, with several experienced names stepping away, including stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Taking charge of a new era is Shubman Gill, who will be captaining India in England for the very first time. As fans gear up for what could be a historic series, it’s worth revisiting how the previous five Indian captains fared in their first Test match on English soil as leaders.
Jasprit Bumrah – 2022
Jasprit Bumrah became the first fast bowler in over three decades to captain India in a Test match. Thrust into leadership for the rescheduled fifth Test in 2022 at Edgbaston, he had a 2-1 series lead to defend. However, England’s newly adopted ‘Bazball’ approach—fearless, aggressive cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum—proved too much for India.
England pulled off one of the most spectacular run-chases in Test history, even though they scored 378 runs in the fourth innings. While Bumrah showed promise with the ball, claiming 5 wickets in the match, his captaincy debut ended in disappointment.
Virat Kohli – 2018
Virat Kohli led India on their 2018 tour of England after a tough but promising South Africa series. Expectations were high, and Kohli responded with a masterclass at Edgbaston, scoring 149 in the first innings—a personal triumph amidst team struggles.
India lost the first Test despite his valiant batting efforts. The series spiraled out of control for the visitors, eventually ending in a 1-4 defeat. Kohli’s leadership came under scrutiny, even though his form with the bat was the standout for India.
MS Dhoni – 2011
In 2011, India toured England as reigning World Cup champions under MS Dhoni’s leadership. Hopes were sky-high, but the series proved to be a debacle. In the first Test at Lord’s, England dominated and won by 196 runs.
Dhoni, known for his calm approach, couldn’t stem the tide as India suffered a 0-4 whitewash. His individual contributions were minimal in the opening match—scores of 28 and 16 with the bat offered little resistance.
Rahul Dravid – 2007
One of India’s most dependable batters, Rahul Dravid led India in the 2007 tour of England. The series turned out to be a memorable one as India secured a rare overseas series win—something they hadn’t achieved in England since 1986.
The first Test at Lord’s was a rain-affected draw, with India hanging on in a tense finish. Dravid himself had a quiet game, scoring just 2 and 9, but his calm leadership laid the foundation for the 1-0 series win.
Sourav Ganguly – 2002
Sourav made his debut as England’s captain during the 2002 tour. Known for instilling fighting spirit in Indian cricket, Ganguly led a rejuvenated side that refused to be intimidated.
Although India lost the opening Test at Lord’s, they came back strongly to draw the second and win the third Test at Headingley convincingly. The fourth Test ended in a draw, and the series finished 1-1. Ganguly didn’t make a big impact with the bat in the first Test, scoring just 5 runs across both innings, but his aggressive leadership helped shift the team’s overseas mentality.
Conclusion
As Shubman Gill prepares to walk out as India’s newest Test captain in England, he carries the weight of legacy and the hope of a new generation. From Ganguly’s aggression to Dravid’s calmness, from Dhoni’s composure to Kohli’s passion, and Bumrah’s short-lived stint, every Indian skipper has had a unique initiation on English soil.
