India, June 20 -- Team India kick off the new World Test Championship cycle on Friday when the side takes on England in the first match of the five-Test series in Headingley. The match also begins a new era for Indian cricket, with Shubman Gill as captain and Rishabh Pant being named his deputy. With both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from the format, India have officially entered a transitional era in Tests, and the side will be aiming to make a strong statement from the outset as they meet Ben Stokes' men.

Ahead of the clash, Gill has received words of support from his senior teammate KL Rahul, who has been an integral part of India's red-ball setup for many years. Rahul has led India in select Test matches, too, and is expecte...