As the cricketing world gears up for India’s upcoming tour of England, former head coach Ravi Shastri takes us down memory lane. He recalls a time when the Virat Kohli-led Test team made waves with their outstanding performances. Shastri’s comments came during a press release from Sony LIV, which is the official broadcaster for the exciting series starting from June 20.
This tour is significant, marking the beginning of India’s ICC World Test Championship cycle. It ushers in a new era under skipper Shubman Gill. The Indian cricket landscape is shifting after the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, alongside all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away from international play altogether.
Fans eager to revisit the glory days of Indian Test cricket will find joy in Sony Sports Network’s latest project. Titled ‘Bharat Tum Chale Chalo – Kahani 2021-22 Ki,’ this three-part docuseries is a heartfelt trip down memory lane, focusing on India’s remarkable 2021-22 Test series in England. India had led that series 2-1 under Kohli’s captaincy until the fifth and final Test was postponed due to COVID-19. By then, Kohli had stepped down, and Jasprit Bumrah, at the helm, ended up drawing the series 2-2.
The first episode premieres on June 15, airing on various Sony Sports channels and available for streaming on Sony LIV. Cricket fans should mark their calendars for this must-see series, which shines a light on India’s unforgettable Test matches.
Shastri reminisced about the Test team during his coaching tenure, reflecting on their remarkable feats in England, Australia, and South Africa. His views offer a glimpse into the fighting spirit that characterized this celebrated squad. “That team had guts, fire, and the belief that they could conquer anything, anywhere,” he stated.
From breaching Fortress Gabba to unleashing ’60 overs of hell’ at Lord’s, Shastri highlighted how this team did not merely play cricket—they made statements. The docuseries highlights the determination, preparation, and emotional journey behind those achievements. Shastri describes it as a movement, amplifying the idea that this team transcended just being a collection of players.
Between 2014 and 2022, under Kohli’s leadership, India flourished in Test cricket. Winning 40 out of 68 matches, Kohli became one of India’s most successful Test captains. So much so, that when he left the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia in late 2020 for the birth of his first child, it fell to Ajinkya Rahane to lead. Rahane took on the challenge, guiding an inexperienced side to a historic 2-1 series win in Australia, which included the unforgettable victory at The Gabba. That venue had remained unconquered for over 32 years.
Shastri also reminisced about a pivotal moment during the Lord’s Test in August 2021. In a huddle before defending a target of 272 runs, Virat challenged his team to make their opponents feel the pressure for 60 overs. The players rose to the occasion, reducing England to just 120 runs and clinching a memorable victory.
However, not all memories represent glory. India faced tough times last year, suffering their first-ever whitewash defeat at home against New Zealand. Following that, a 1-3 loss to Australia left them out of the WTC final race, marking a challenging phase for the Indian Test squad.
As India prepares for this series under the fresh leadership of Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir, the team is eager to start anew. The anticipation builds for matches scheduled from June to August 2025, with locations across England such as Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford.
With Shubman Gill at the helm and an exciting squad comprising names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, all eyes will be on the Men in Blue as they embark on this new journey. Fans eagerly await the resurgence of their beloved team, hoping to witness another chapter in India’s storied cricket history.
This upcoming tour is set to be more than just fixtures; it is a testament to resilience, an opportunity for redemption, and a chance for young players to carve their names alongside the legends who came before them. Let the journey begin.