Shubman Gill-led India made a forgettable start to their England tour with a defeat in the first Test match in Leeds. The visiting team failed to defend a big target of 371. India suffered batting collapses in both innings while the visiting bowlers, barring Jasprit Bumrah, struggled in both innings. Questions are being raised on Gautam Gambhir, who is the head coach of Team India. Gambhir joined India as their head coach in July 2024. India have only won 3 Tests under his tutelage.

India defeated Bangladesh 2-0 in the home Test series while they suffered a 0-3 defeat against New Zealand at home. India kicked off the Australia tour with a win in Perth but they lost the series 1-3. India have now lost another Test match.

Former India opener, Aakash Chopra, opined that pressure is mounting on Gambhir amid India's poor results in Test cricket. "But in Test cricket, I think the questions are going to be there. And I think there is a lot of pressure on this series. If the England series doesn’t go too well, then there will be a question mark – where are they going and what are they doing? Because the selectors will feel that whatever team management is asking for, is being given. The type of player you want, the number of players you want, and the player you are pointing at are being given. So, if that is the case, you need to deliver the results. Period. There are no excuses," he said on his YouTube channel.

After a forgettable Australia tour, Gambhir-coached India bounced back strongly by winning the 2025 Champions Trophy. But they have struggled in Test cricket.

India are without the services of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both India legends announced their retirements from Test cricket before the team selection for the England series. The second Test of the series will kick off on July 2.