"I consider England favorites" - Former India captain's stunning claim ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly called England the favorites in the upcoming five-Test home series against India, starting June 20. However, he believes India will have an opportunity to emerge victorious if they bat well in the series.

India drew their last five-match Test series in England 2-2 in 2021/22 and won the latest Test meeting between the sides in India by a 4-1 margin. However, they will be without the legendary batting duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, with Shubman Gill set to lead the Test side for the first time.

When asked to predict the India-England Test series outcome, Ganguly told Rev Sportz:

"I consider England favorites, but then I don’t believe in favorites. If India bat well, they have a chance."

Ganguly also felt the upcoming England series would be massive for head coach Gautam Gambhir.

"Yeah, didn’t have a great one in Australia, won the Champions Trophy . As far as red ball is concerned, yes, it is a big series for him," he said.

India have struggled in Tests since Gambhir took over as head coach in July last year. After defeating Bangladesh 2-0 at home, India suffered a 3-0 home series whitewash against New Zealand and lost the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia 1-3.

"Make sure Bumrah is used as a wicket-taker" - Sourav Ganguly

Jasprit Bumrah's fitness could be key for India's chances in England. [Credit: Getty]

Sourav Ganguly advised India to use ace Jasprit Bumrah as a wicket-taking option at all times in the upcoming England series. Bumrah has been India's star performer in Tests since the start of last year, with 73 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 15.

However, the 31-year-old is likely to miss one or two Tests in the series due to workload management.

"Hoping Bumrah remains fit for five Test matches. Even if it means giving him a break after the 2nd Test match, and then getting him back for the 4th and 5th, because a fit Bumrah will be very important. Also, Shubman Gill needs to understand to not bowl Bumrah into the ground. Use him as a wicket-taker, use him in short spells, so that he remains fit for five Test matches. Make sure Bumrah is used as a wicket-taker," said Ganguly (via the aforementioned source).

He added:

"You’ve got to look out for him and not make him bowl more than 12-13 overs. I believe four fast bowlers are important. Here, others will have to be the warhorses like Siraj, Arshdeep. Not sure about a Nitish or a Shardul Thakur. Maybe they can get some runs with the bat, but I think India need to back the seven batters and then back the bowlers, because we need 20 wickets to win Test matches."

Bumrah boasts excellent Test numbers on English soil, with 37 wickets at an average of 26.27 in nine matches.