On June 29, 2025, Team India celebrated the first anniversary of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 final victory that came against South Africa in Barbados. The Indian Test team, which is currently preparing for the second Test of the five-Test series against England, celebrated the anniversary by cutting two cakes in Birmingham.
One cake had "Team India" written on it whereas the other had "Champions T20 WC 2024". First, Arshdeep Singh was asked to cut the cake, then the players said 'Man of the series' who was Jasprit Bumrah. Players recalled Mohammed Siraj's iconic post-match interview where he said, "I only believe in Jassi bhai". Siraj was cutting the other cake as Team India players and support staff clapped.
Pant teases Jadeja, credits fielding coach
Then Pant offered Jadeja a slice of cake and said, "Happy retirement". Jadeja replied by clarifying that he has retired from only one format (T20I). Earlier this year, there were rumours that Jadeja will retire after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Players laughed on Jadeja's clarification. Pant did not forget T Dilip, the fielding coach who started the 'fielding medal' tradition in the dressing room.
7 players part of current Test squad
Last year, India beat South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling contest to win an ICC trophy after a long wait of 11 years. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the format after the T20 World Cup triumph. Before India's tour of England, there retired from Test format as well. From the T20 World Cup 2024-winning squad, only seven players are part of the current Test squad. Siraj and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal were not part of the playing XI of the final.
Big Test for India in Birmingham
India have played seven Tests in Birmingham and are yet to win one. After a defeat in Headingley despite setting a target 371. Meanwhile, there is a big question mark over Jasprit Bumrah's availability. Considering the conditions in Birmingham, left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has been backed by many to play the second Test.