In a pre-departure press conference held in Mumbai on June 5, 2025, India's newly appointed Test captain, Shubman Gill, and head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media ahead of the team's departure for England. The conference marked Gill's first media interaction as the Indian Test captain.

With the recent retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, questions arose about the team's leadership dynamics. Gill, however, expressed confidence, stating that the absence of these veterans would not alter the team's approach or pressure levels. He emphasized that the focus remains on the team's collective effort and strategy.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir took a firm stance on the tragic stampede during the Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL 2025 victory celebrations in Bengaluru, which resulted in the loss of several lives. Gambhir highlighted the importance of prioritizing public safety over celebratory events, advocating for responsible conduct during public gatherings. He suggested that such celebrations should be confined to controlled environments like stadiums to prevent such incidents.

India is set to face England in a five-match Test series starting June 20, 2025. This series will also kickstart India's campaign in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship. The team is scheduled to play a four-day warm-up match against Kent County Cricket Club in Beckenham from June 13 to June 16. The squad includes notable inclusions like Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur, with Rishabh Pant serving as vice-captain.

As India embarks on this crucial tour, both Gill and Gambhir's leadership and perspectives will be pivotal in shaping the team's performance and strategy.