India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma has expressed strong confidence in his team’s ability to challenge England in the upcoming Test series on English soil this summer. With the highly anticipated five-match Test series scheduled to begin on June 20, 2025, Rohit believes that a fully fit Indian squad will be more than capable of putting England under pressure, especially given the close competition witnessed in their last encounter.
Speaking recently on a cricket podcast, Rohit emphasized that India’s chances of success will largely depend on the fitness and form of their key players, particularly the fast bowlers. Reflecting on the 2021-22 tour of England, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate after India was unable to field a full-strength side for the postponed final Test in 2022, Rohit said that his team had come very close to winning that series and are determined to go one step further this time around.
“Last time we played these guys, it was 2-2, and we were in a really strong position throughout most of the series. I truly believe we have a red-hot chance of beating England this time around, provided our key players are fit and firing,” Rohit said. He added that India’s pace attack, when at full strength, is one of the best in the world and has the skills to trouble England’s batting lineup in home conditions.
Rohit highlighted the importance of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, all of whom have been instrumental in India’s overseas success in recent years. He pointed out that managing their workload and ensuring they emerge unscathed from the ongoing IPL season would be critical to India’s chances.
He also acknowledged the challenges that come with balancing IPL commitments with international duties. “We just have to make sure they come out of the IPL really well. It’s not just about the number of overs bowled, it’s about the constant travel, short turnarounds, and the intensity of games. That takes a toll, even if you’re bowling just four overs a game,” Rohit said.
Fitness, both physical and mental, will play a pivotal role according to Rohit. He noted that England’s aggressive brand of cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has transformed them into a fearless and formidable side at home. To counter that, India will need to be at their tactical and physical best, something Rohit believes they can achieve with the right preparation and mindset.
As the IPL continues and players remain in action nearly every other day, the Indian team management is expected to closely monitor their workloads. Rest, recovery, and rehabilitation will likely be prioritized once the IPL ends, especially for those expected to play key roles in the Test series.
With a fresh World Test Championship cycle beginning, the series in England could set the tone for India’s campaign. Rohit Sharma’s confidence and clarity suggest that the Indian team, if fit and focused, will arrive in England not just to compete, but to win.