Following the Indian Premier League 2025, 18 Indian cricketers will travel to England for a highly anticipated five-Test series. The retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left significant gaps in the batting lineup. While domestic cricket has showcased plenty of batting talent, their ability to adapt to England’s challenging conditions remains untested.

On the bowling front, the dynamic pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, who spearheaded India’s memorable triumphs in 2022, will be crucial, though Bumrah’s fitness concerns cast doubt on his participation across all matches. With Shubman Gill at the helm, it remains to be seen whether India can defy expectations or succumb to pressure.

As the series approaches, we reflect on India’s Test record in England this century, revisiting their finest victories and most crushing defeats.

India's Greatest Wins in England

The Oval, London in 2021

Margin: India won by 157 runs

Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma

A sublime century from Rohit Sharma followed by a terrific bowling performance helped India register a 157-run victory over England, in the Lord's Test of 2021. Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell and Umesh Yadav’s breakthroughs dismantled England’s batting, sealing a 2-1 series lead. The triumph showcased India’s depth, with contributions from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja complementing Rohit’s heroics. This win, under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, marked India’s first at The Oval since 1971, signalling their growing prowess in English conditions.

Trent Bridge, Nottingham in 2018

Margin: India won by 203 runs

Player of the Match: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s commanding 97 and 103 steered India to a formidable 521 in Nottingham. Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma maintained relentless pressure, ensuring England fell short by 203 runs. This victory, under Kohli’s leadership, showcased India’s ability to bounce back after earlier series struggles. The win levelled the series at 1-1.

Lord's, London in 2021

Margin: India won by 151 runs

Player of the Match: KL Rahul

KL Rahul’s composed 129 in the first innings set the tone before India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj’s eight wickets, including a devastating 4-32 in the second innings, outclassed England. The match saw heated exchanges, adding drama to India’s triumph. Under Virat Kohli’s aggressive captaincy, India capitalised on England’s collapse, securing a 1-0 series lead.

Headingley, Leeds in 2002

Margin: India won by an innings and 46 runs

Player of the Match: Rahul Dravid

India’s emphatic innings-and-46-run win at Headingley in 2002 was a defining moment. Rahul Dravid’s masterful 148, earning him Player of the Match, anchored India’s colossal 628-6. Sourav Ganguly’s 128 and Sachin Tendulkar’s 193 overwhelmed England’s bowlers. Anil Kumble’s spin and Harbhajan Singh’s guile then tore through England’s batting, dismissing them for 273 and 309.

India's Worst Defeats in England

Lord's, London in 2018

Margin: India lost by an innings & 159 runs

Player of the Match: Chris Woakes

India suffered an innings-and-159-run defeat at Lord’s in 2018, after getting bowled out cheaply in both innings. Virat Kohli’s side failed to counter the moving ball, with no batters crossing 30 in either innings. Rain interruptions couldn’t save India from a collapse, as England’s 396-7 declared exposed India’s frailties.

The Rose Bowl, Southampton in 2014

Margin: India lost by 266 runs

Player of the Match: James Anderson

James Anderson claimed seven wickets to dismantle India’s lineup, inflicting a massive 266-run defeat on them. Alastair Cook’s disciplined captaincy and Moeen Ali’s spin compounded India’s woes, as they crumbled chasing 445. MS Dhoni’s side struggled against England’s pace and spin, with only Cheteshwar Pujara offering resistance.

The Oval, London in 2014

Margin: India lost by an innings and 244 runs

Player of the Match: Joe Root

An innings-and-244-run defeat at The Oval in 2014 was the lowest point of Indian Test cricket. India, bowled out for 148 and 94, succumbed to Chris Jordan and James Anderson’s relentless pace. MS Dhoni’s side failed to counter England’s seam movement, with no batters scoring a fifty.

Edgbaston, Birmingham in 2011

Margin: India lost by an innings and 242 runs

Player of the Match: Alastair Cook

Alastair Cook’s monumental 294 propelled England to 710-7. India could only manage 224 and 244, thus losing the match by an innings and 242 runs. Indian batters were no match for England’s pace attack, led by Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan. MS Dhoni’s side, already reeling from injuries, collapsed under relentless pressure. This loss, part of a 4-0 series whitewash, exposed India’s struggles against swing and seam in English conditions.