Mumbai and India opener Prithvi Shaw (25) has formally requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), signalling his intent to represent a different state in the upcoming 2025–26 domestic season. The move underscores his pursuit of fresh opportunities and long-term professional development

Why Shaw is Seeking Change

• Form & Fitness Concerns: Shaw was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad last year due to “poor fitness and lack of discipline”. Though he has featured in white-ball formats, inconsistent performances and fitness setbacks have dogged him
• Desire for a Fresh Start: In his letter to MCA, Shaw acknowledged: “…I have been presented with a promising opportunity…which I believe will further contribute to my growth and development as a cricketer.”

MCA’s Response

MCA has received Shaw’s letter and forwarded it to their Apex Council, with a decision expected shortly Within hours, official confirmation came that the NOC has been granted, allowing Shaw to move

What This Could Mean for Shaw

• New Team, More Chances: Shaw is reportedly fielding offers from multiple state associations, and a fresh environment could help him reclaim form and consistency
• Next Domestic Season Ahead: With the 2025–26 season approaching, the move gives Shaw a chance to secure regular red-ball matches and demonstrate resilience.

India vs England Test Head-to-Head: Complete History & Series Records

Introduction

India vs England is one of Test cricket’s most riveting rivalries. From the dusty pitches of Chennai to the green seaming decks of Lord’s, the battle between these two nations has produced iconic moments and legendary cricketers. Let’s take a deep dive into their Test history, head-to-head stats, and series-wise performance.

🇮🇳 vs Total Tests Played

• Total Matches: 136
• England Wins: 51
• India Wins: 35
• Draws: 50
• First Test Played: 1932 at Lord’s
• Last Test Played: March 2024 (Ranchi)

India has closed the gap over the decades, especially with dominant performances at home.

Test Head-to-Head in England

• Tests in England: 67
• England Wins: 36
• India Wins: 9
• Draws: 22

Notable Indian Wins in England:

• 1971 – The Oval
• 1986 – Lord’s, Leeds
• 2002 – Leeds
• 2007 – Nottingham
• 2021 – Lord’s, The Oval

Test Head-to-Head in India

• Tests in India: 68
• India Wins: 22
• England Wins: 14
• Draws: 32

India has dominated England at home, especially in the last two decades, leveraging spin-friendly conditions.

Series Results Summary

• Total Series Played: 37
• England Series Wins: 19
• India Series Wins: 12
• Drawn Series: 6

Recent Series (Last 5):

• 2021–22 (England): 2–2 Draw
• 2024 (India): India won 4–1
• 2018 (England): England won 4–1
• 2016 (India): India won 4–0
• 2014 (England): England won 3–1

Most Memorable IND vs ENG Tests

• 2002 Headingley – Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly masterclass
• 2014 Lord’s – Ishant Sharma’s 7-wicket spell
• 2021 The Oval – India’s stunning comeback win

Top Individual Records

Most Runs in India-England Tests:

• Joe Root (ENG) – 2,846 runs
• Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 2,535 runs
• Sunil Gavaskar (IND) – 2,483 runs

Most Wickets:

• James Anderson (ENG) – 149 wickets
• R. Ashwin (IND) – 114 wickets
• Anil Kumble (IND) – 92 wickets

Recent Trends & 2025 Series Outlook

India won the recent home series 4–1 in early 2024. However, they haven’t won a Test series in England since 2007. The 2025 series, starting June 20, is their biggest shot at rewriting history and claiming the newly unveiled Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Team India’s pace bowler Mukesh Kumar has ignited speculation on social media after posting a cryptic Instagram story that read, “Karma bides its time. You will always have to watch out. Karma is unforgiving and always gets payback.” The message coincides with Harshit Rana’s surprise selection as the 19th member of the Test squad ahead of the series opener in England

What happened?

• On June 18, 2025, just before India departed for the first Test at Headingley, Mukesh—who was part of the India A squad and led the bowling in the first unofficial Test by taking 3/92—dropped this pointed social post
• The timing suggests he might be responding to his omission from the main squad, particularly as Harshit Rana—who took only 1/99 in the same match—was promoted

Fan & expert reactions

Many on social media interpret Mukesh’s post as a veiled message expressing frustration:
Mukesh Kumar’s frustration … He’s toiled hard, picked up around 44 wickets in his last 11 domestic games. Meanwhile, someone like Harshit Rana … gets retained … It makes you wonder what’s the point of grinding in domestic cricket

Supporters of Rana and critics of the selection process argue he was chosen for his raw pace and potential in seaming English conditions .

Player comparison at a glance

• Mukesh Kumar: 31, has earned 7 wickets in 3 Tests; showed strong form with India A, but left out of senior squad
• Harshit Rana: 23, made Test debut in Australia last year with 4 wickets; modest show in India A, yet added to the senior team as cover.

What it reflects

• Intense competition: The Test squad race is highly competitive, with players pushing from the fringes.
• Selection scrutiny: Mukesh’s post adds fuel to debates on selection bias and transparency.
• Team dynamics: Such public displays highlight emotional stakes in team composition, especially before key series.