It’s time, folks! The much-awaited Test series between India and England kicks off on 20th, and the opening venue is none other than the historic Headingley in Leeds. As fans gear up for five days of nail-biting cricket, one big question looms: can India finally improve on their mixed record here? Let’s take a closer look at India’s record at Headingley and what history tells us ahead of this series opener.

ENG vs IND Head-to-Head at Headingley

Here’s a quick snapshot of how India and England have fared against each other at Headingley over the years:

Across these seven matches, India’s record at Headingley stands at:

• Wins: 2
• Losses: 4
• Draws: 1

So far, not the happiest hunting ground for India. But let’s not forget: both of India’s wins here were dominant, not nail-biters.

Test in Headingley：a Friend or a Foe for India？

The Last Test（2021）

Let’s be honest: India’s record in Test cricket at Headingley doesn’t scream “home away from home.” Four losses out of seven isn’t ideal, and the last time India played a Test in Headingley (in 2021), they were rolled over by an innings and 76 runs. That game saw India get bowled out for a mere 78 in the first innings – ouch.

First Victory in Headingley（1986）

But it hasn’t all been doom and gloom. India’s first win at Headingley came in 1986, under the leadership of Kapil Dev. That match was a dream: a huge win by 279 runs, with Dilip Vengsarkar scoring an unbeaten century and Roger Binny rattling through England’s batting lineup.

Unforgettable Win (2002)

Even more memorable was the 2002 Test. Remember that? Ganguly’s men piled up a monstrous 628/8 declared. The trio of Rahul Dravid (148), Sachin Tendulkar (193), and Ganguly himself (128) made the English bowlers look like weekend club players. India won that match by an innings and 46 runs – their last win at this venue.

What’s Changed Since the Last Time？

A lot, actually. Back in 2002, India was riding high on a golden generation of batters. The 2021 Test showed just how tough it is to play a Test in Headingley, especially when conditions assist swing bowling. This time, though, there’s a new chapter starting. With Shubman Gill taking over the reins and senior stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping aside, India enters this series in a transitional phase. Whether that’s a challenge or an opportunity – we’ll soon find out.

But here’s a fun fact: it’s been 23 years since India last won at Headingley. That’s a long dry spell. Ending it now would not only improve India’s record at Headingley but also set the tone for this new-look Indian side under Gill’s captaincy.

Headingley：A Quick Glance at the Stats

Here are some quick hitters to give more context:

When you break it down, India’s record in Test matches at Headingley is more balanced than it seems. Two strong wins, one forgettable draw, and some tough losses. Well, that’s cricket for you.

What Can We Expect？

The pitch at Headingley typically offers bounce and swing, especially early on. If India can survive the first session, they could build a platform. Much will depend on how the batters adapt to English conditions and whether the bowlers can replicate the magic of 1986 or 2002. India may not have the best historical numbers here, but numbers don’t win games – players do. And with a hungry young squad looking to prove themselves, India’s record at Headingley might just be due for an upgrade.

London 🚄 Leeds

‘Train’ing with #TeamIndia #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/I1gBsTu0PC

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2025

History may not favor India at Headingley, but cricket is all about writing new stories. This week, we’ll see if Shubman Gill’s boys are ready to flip the script.

Related Match

ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test of the India tour of England series on 06/20 at 03:30 PM IST