Pant’s Roof-Shattering Six, Gill vs Bumrah Duel Light Up India’s Nets Ahead of England Test Series

With new skipper Shubman Gill at the helm, India kicks off its WTC 2025-27 campaign in England with intense training, high-voltage face-offs, and a symbolic six that literally broke the roof.

Beckenham [UK], June 10:
The Indian cricket team’s Test campaign for the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 got off to an electrifying start in Beckenham as preparations for the first Test against England, scheduled for June 20 in Leeds, unfolded with intensity, excitement, and a touch of drama—thanks to Rishabh Pant’s explosive six that shattered a part of the practice facility’s roof.

In what could be the start of a new era in Indian Test cricket after the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the spotlight now firmly rests on the young and dynamic Shubman Gill, who has taken over as the red-ball captain. And if the practice session on Monday was anything to go by, this team is hungry, focused, and ready for a fresh beginning.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared glimpses from the training session on Instagram, offering fans a peek into the energy and camaraderie within the squad. Seen in the nets were captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Also active on the field were coaching staff members, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, closely engaging with players through pep talks and tactical guidance.

One of the most riveting moments of the day was a gripping one-on-one battle between Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill. In footage shared by ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah was in fiery rhythm, delivering unplayable deliveries that forced Gill to either dodge, defend, or leave. The duel served as a reminder of the high level of skill and competitiveness within the squad.

The session’s most talked-about highlight, however, belonged to Rishabh Pant. The left-hander, who is returning to top-level cricket with confidence and firepower, launched a monstrous six off Washington Sundar that smashed into the roof of the Beckenham practice facility—literally breaking it. The moment, captured and circulated widely on social media, was symbolic of Pant’s return and readiness to dominate.

Meanwhile, fielding coach T Dilip oversaw catching and agility drills, keeping the squad sharp in all departments. With India playing five Tests across iconic English venues including Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford, these preparatory days are seen as crucial for cohesion and strategy-building under the new leadership.

India’s Test squad for the England series includes:
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

As the countdown begins to the first Test, India’s new-look squad appears determined to stamp its authority on the global stage. With the practice intensity turned all the way up and young guns ready to step into the shoes of legends, the England series promises to be not just a contest—but a statement of transition, talent, and tenacity.