In the 131 Tests played between the two teams before the series, England had won and drawn 50 each, and lost 31. In India, they had won 14 and lost 22, while 28 matches ended in draws. In a total of 16 series played in India between the two sides, the hosts had won eight and lost five. England were the last visiting side to win a Test series in India,
in 2012–13. The last Test series between the two sides, played in England, and interrupted by
COVID-19, had ended in a
2–2 draw. However, India boasted an enviable record playing at home, having won 36 of the 46 Tests played over the previous decade. India's previous Test outing was a
1–1 draw away from home against South Africa, while England last featured in a
2–2 draw in the Ashes at home. Ahead of the series, England and India were ranked number three and two in the
ICC Men's Test Team Rankings. Going into the series, England had been playing the
Bazball style of cricket for over two years. They had won 13 of the 18 Tests played in this fashion. The away India series was touted by the English media as its ultimate test.
The Telegraph wrote: "India will be the ultimate stress test of the first rule of Bazball, which is to be endlessly positive." Captain
Ben Stokes had stated that India was the "hardest place to come and win a game, let alone a series". England's coach
Brendon McCullum stated that "India is the best in their own condition. It is going to be a good challenge for us. If we have success, then fabulous; if we don't, then I know we will go down in the style that we want to go down." However, former English Test captain
Michael Vaughan warned that the English side might get "absolutely destroyed" against an Indian side that has superb spinners. Former batter
Kevin Pietersen, part of the team that won there in 2012–13, said that England's performance would be dictated by how their spinners perform. He stated, "It's how England's spinners bowl. Don't worry about Bazball. I'm sure they'll get their runs because it's the most beautiful place to bat. In the first innings, it's a great place to bat. If they get enough runs, [it's] all about how the spinners bowl." The Indian media too speculated the viability and the potential success of Bazball on Indian soil.
The Hindu wrote that for Bazball to work in India "requires sound technique rather than quick reflexes. It will all depend on how much the England batters allow these two Indian spinners (
Ravichandran Ashwin and
Ravindra Jadeja) to take up space in their heads. England need to bat long and positively to put pressure on India. It is their best chance." Criticism was directed at the English preparation after the squad decided against playing a tour game in India, instead holding a 11-day training camp in
Abu Dhabi. ==Squads==