India’s upcoming overseas assignments are generating significant anticipation, particularly the five-Test series against England in 2025 as part of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. As excitement builds for the contest, England legend Stuart Broad has recalled India’s memorable win at Lord’s in 2021 under Virat Kohli’s leadership, and hinted that the 2025 series may be Kohli’s last tour of England.
India, fresh off a commanding 2-0 Test series victory over Bangladesh, are set to face New Zealand in an upcoming three-match Test series. However, eyes are already on their blockbuster five-Test series against Australia in November 2024, which will likely determine the finalists for the ongoing WTC cycle.
Looking ahead, India’s first major overseas challenge in the next WTC cycle is their 2025 tour to England. Their last visit to the UK saw the series end 2-2, but India’s thrilling victory at Lord’s under Kohli is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans.
Recently retired England pacer Stuart Broad reflected on the fiercely competitive 2021 Lord’s Test, where India triumphed in a gripping contest. “Don’t underestimate how much it hurt England when India won at Lord’s in 2021 and drew the series,” Broad said, praising India’s aggressive approach and highlighting Mohammed Siraj’s key role in the victory. He noted the emotional impact the loss had on England, while also acknowledging the elation it brought to Kohli and his team.
“It was an amazing, emotional Test match to watch,” Broad said, adding that it would be remembered as a defining moment in recent cricket history. “I know how much that hurt the England dressing room. Equally, we saw the joy on Kohli’s face and how much that win meant to him and his team.”
Broad also made a striking prediction regarding Virat Kohli’s future, suggesting that the 2025 series might be Kohli’s last tour of England. With Kohli turning 36 this year and already retired from T20Is, Broad believes this series could be the final chapter of Kohli’s England tours. “This could be Virat’s last tour of England,” he said, hinting that Kohli might be eyeing the WTC trophy, the only major ICC honor missing from his illustrious career.
Kohli’s hunger for success was evident earlier when Indian head coach Rahul Dravid remarked that Kohli was targeting the WTC title during India’s T20 World Cup celebrations, saying, “Three whites ticked, one red to go.”
The 2025 series is set to begin on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds, and Broad is confident it will be a thrilling contest between two cricketing powerhouses. He predicts a closely fought series, saying, “If the weather plays ball, I think it will be 2-2.” Fans can expect a clash of titans as England’s youthful, attacking side takes on India’s wealth of talent and experience in what promises to be a memorable series.
