Three Hidden English Weapons Could Shatter Team India—Captain Shubman Gill Faces His Biggest Test Yet

The real Test begins for India on June 20 at Leeds, not just against England—but against the unknown. With stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin missing from the squad, a young Indian side led by Shubman Gill is set to face three unseen threats that could wreck their campaign from the very first ball.

India's squad is filled with fresh faces on English soil, and with the weight of expectations now on the shoulders of Gill, KL Rahul, Pant, and Jadeja

, the road ahead is filled with unfamiliar challenges—especially from England’s secret pace arsenal.

1. Joshua Tongue – The Silent Assassin at Lord’s

Joshua Charles Tongue may only have 3 Tests under his belt, but he’s already left a trail of destruction. The 26-year-old pacer made headlines in 2023 with two 5-wicket hauls—first against Ireland, then against Australia

, both at Lord’s. He swings it, he hits the deck hard, and worst of all—India has never faced him. That unfamiliarity could be lethal on England’s seaming surfaces.

Career Highlight: 12 wickets in 3 Tests
X-Factor: Sudden seam movement and bounce

2. Brydon Carse – The Underestimated Threat

Brydon Carse might not be a headline name, but England sees him as a genuine game-changer. In 5 Tests, he’s already grabbed 27 wickets, impressing against the likes of New Zealand and Pakistan

. He brings pace, aggression, and crucially—he can bat in the lower order, adding pressure with the bat when India least expects it.

Career Highlight: All-round performance vs Pakistan
X-Factor: Explosive spells + batting depth

3. Sam Cook – The Swing Merchant

With just one Test match under his name (vs Zimbabwe), Samuel James Cook might seem harmless. But underestimate him at your peril. A proven performer in England’s domestic circuit, Cook is known for relentless accuracy

and swing under cloudy skies. If selected, he could be the surprise package India isn’t ready for.

First-Class Record: Over 250 wickets at under 22
X-Factor: New ball wizardry

Bonus Danger: Woakes Returns Where He Hurts India Most

Veteran Chris Woakes may be familiar, but his threat is no less real. He has a stellar record against India — 23 wickets in 9 Tests — and thrives in English conditions. For many young Indian players, this will be the first time

they face him. And with both bat and ball, Woakes knows how to dominate in these conditions.

Shubman Gill’s Leadership Under Fire

This is no ordinary series. With a transitional Indian team, Gill's real challenge begins now. Will he crumble under the pressure of leading a young squad overseas? Or can he channel the spirit of Indian captains past and script a new chapter in Indian Test history?

Three English pacers India has never faced. A new Indian captain with little room for error. A historic venue. A storm is coming—and Shubman Gill must weather it.