The India vs England Test series has ignited not just competitive cricket on the field but also verbal fireworks off it. As Shubman Gill’s men piled on the pressure with a commanding 359/3 at stumps on Day 1 of the Headingley Test, the mood in the Indian camp was buoyant—and Indian commentators didn’t waste the chance to return fire.
Leading the charge was former opener and fiery pundit Navjot Singh Sidhu, who launched a scathing, humorous takedown of Michael Vaughan’s now-infamous prediction that India had come to England “to lose.” In a video posted by Star Sports, Sidhu took Vaughan to task, referencing his history of incorrect forecasts—be it during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy or the 2025 World Test Championship final.
“Michael Vaughan, your predictions are a guaranteed jinx,” Navjot Sidhu said with his signature flair. “Remember BGT? South Africa in Australia? You were wrong then, and you’re wrong now. Look at this England attack—pedestrian at best. Indian batters are dancing down the track against your pacers as if they’re facing spinners. Don’t just make noise, show results. Even a hen cackles like it’s laying an asteroid—noise doesn’t equal impact.”
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Sidhu wasn’t done. “There’s no suffering that pity won’t insult. But this bowling attack? It invites pity.”
Ben Stokes’ decision to bowl first on a dry surface seemed bold, but it misfired spectacularly. Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) and Shubman Gill (127*) anchored the innings brilliantly, and Rishabh Pant (65*) ensured India maintained complete control heading into Day 2. The Indian batters hardly looked troubled, with even debutant Sai Sudharsan showing glimpses of composure before his dismissal.
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England’s attack, missing Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson, looked toothless. Only Stokes (2/43) showed control, while Woakes, Tongue, and Carse struggled to trouble the Indian lineup.
With clear skies and a flat pitch, India now eye a mammoth first-innings total to put England under immense pressure in what already feels like a series-defining performance.
