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playing XI for 1st Test
The Indian team is prepared to play against England for the four-match Test series, starting this Friday, February 5. After India's ramarkable victory in Australia, it will be difficult for the management to select the ideal playing eleven for the upcoming matches. Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, and Shubman Gill were all fantastic in the historic win.
While many cricket experts have their opinions on India's playing XI, the latest name is retired batsman Gautam Gambhir. The former cricketer reckons that the hosts should go with five bowlers in the first match against England. Gambhir stated that in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel should be brought in as his replacement. The 39-year-old also feels that Patel can provide an excellent batting option along with Ravi Ashwin in Chennai.
Gautam Gambhir decided to go with the opening pair of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. The duo was at their best in the Test series Down Under. Gambhir reckoned that there was no place for some players like Hardik Pandya and Ishant Sharma in his playing XI.
Gambhir chose Rishabh Pant over Saha for the wicket-keeper batsman's position as Pant was India's highest run-scorer in Australia. Although Saha is a specialist keeper in the home conditions, he is likely to miss the first Test after Pant's heroics in Australia.
Gambhir picks Mohammed Siraj over Ishant Sharma
Gautam Gambhir selected Mohammed Siraj to partner with Jasprit Bumrah in the first Test against England. He mentioned that Virat Kohli should rest Bumrah for the second Test. As it will keep India's blue-chip pacer fresh for the upcoming series.
The first two matches between India and England will be taking place in M A Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai. The final two Tests will be conducted at the newly built Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. As per the schedule, all five T20Is will be played in Ahmedabad on March 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20. And the three ODIs will be held in Pune on March 23, 26, and 28.
Gautam Gambhir's India XI against England
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.