ENG vs IND: Predicting India's strongest playing XI for the first Test

The BCCI announced on Saturday the Indian cricket team’s schedule for the five-match Test series tour to England, introducing an 18-player squad. This series will be the first between India and England in the ICC World Test Championship cycle of 2025–2027.

Following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India is undergoing a transitional phase. Shubman Gill has been named the new Test captain, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI’s head of selectors, unveiled the squad ahead of the series starting in June.

The series begins on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, followed by matches at Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2), Lord’s, London (July 10), Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23), and the final game at The Oval, London (July 31).

Today, we take a look at the possible India playing XI for the first Test:

For the first Test, India’s likely playing XI features Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opening the innings. Jaiswal embarked on his third SENA tour after South Africa and Australia, boasting 1,798 runs at an average of 52.88 with 4 centuries and 10 fifties in 19 matches.

Rahul, moving up to opener, has scored 2,803 runs in 48 matches at 35.03 with 7 hundreds and 14 fifties. This new opening pair will be vital for solid starts.

Sai Sudharsan, averaging 39.93 with 7 centuries in 29 first-class matches, is expected at No. 3, transitioning from white-ball to red-ball cricket. Captain Shubman Gill batted at No. 4, having scored 514 runs in 11 SENA games.

Karun Nair might return at No. 5 after scoring 863 runs in 9 Ranji Trophy matches last season. Rishabh Pant is expected at No. 6, with 1,681 runs at 37-plus in 26 SENA Tests, including 4 hundreds.

The lower order includes Ravindra Jadeja and either Shardul Thakur or Nitish Reddy. Jadeja has 642 runs and 27 wickets in England; Thakur performed well in 2021, while Reddy might play his maiden Test in England.

The fast bowling will be led by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. Siraj has 68 SENA wickets, and Bumrah boasts 145 wickets in 31 matches at an average of 21.02. Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh will join them, with Arshdeep providing left-arm variety and Krishna raw pace and bounce.

Here is the Predicting India's strongest playing XI for the first Test:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (WK-VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.

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