By Chirag - Jun 19, 2025 03:39 PM
India and England share one of the oldest and most competitive rivalries in Test cricket. Since their first meeting in 1932 at Lord’s, the two sides have battled each other in several iconic red-ball encounters. As of 2025, a total of 136 Test matches have been played between India and England, with England leading the head-to-head record.
While England holds the upper hand overall, India has had its share of memorable victories—especially on home soil. However, winning in English conditions has historically been a challenge for the Indian side.
Touring England has always tested the skill, patience, and adaptability of Indian cricketers. Out of the 67 Test matches played in England:
India secured its first Test victory on English soil in 1971 at The Oval under Ajit Wadekar's captaincy. Their most recent triumph in England came in 2021, when Virat Kohli's team defeated England at The Oval.
| Year | Venue | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | The Oval | India won | By 4 wickets |
| 1986 | Lord’s | India won | By 5 wickets |
| 1986 | Leeds | India won | By 279 runs |
| 2002 | Leeds | India won | By innings & 46 runs |
| 2007 | Nottingham | India won | By 7 wickets |
| 2014 | Lord’s | India won | By 95 runs |
| 2018 | Nottingham | India won | By 203 runs |
| 2021 | Lord’s | India won | By 151 runs |
| 2021 | The Oval | India won | By 157 runs |
Also Read: England ke khilaaf Test me India ki Confirmed Playing 11
India has managed to win just three Test series in England, a feat that remains rare and prestigious.
Despite some close contests since then, India hasn’t won a Test series in England since 2007. The 2025 series, now under the leadership of Shubman Gill, marks a new chapter in India’s quest for another series win on English soil.
| Captain | Tests Won in England | Notable Years |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 3 | 2018, 2021 (twice) |
| Kapil Dev | 2 | 1986 |
| Ajit Wadekar | 1 | 1971 |
| Rahul Dravid | 1 | 2007 |
| Sourav Ganguly | 1 | 2002 |
| MS Dhoni | 1 | 2014 |
Virat Kohli remains the most successful Indian Test captain in England in terms of match wins.
India’s journey in Test cricket against England has been filled with ups and downs. While the overall win count still favors England, the Men in Blue have shown steady progress over the decades. As India embarks on the 2025 Test series led by a new captain, Shubman Gill, fans are hopeful that the 18-year drought of a Test series win in England will come to an end.
Will Gill join the elite club of Indian captains who’ve won a series in England? The answer lies in how the five-match battle unfolds—culminating at The Oval on July 31, 2025.
Also Read: IND vs ENG Dream11 Prediction, Team, Playing 11, Pitch and Weather Report
Give Your Feedback