After the announcement of the India Test Schedule for the England tour, all eyes are now on the playing XI selection. With a new captain and several new players in the squad, the England tour won’t be an easy challenge for Team India. However, a few familiar names are still part of the setup.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli missing, two major spots in the batting order have opened up. It’s important to look at the players likely to fill those positions. Yashasvi Jaiswal is included in the squad as an opener, and he seems a sure pick in the playing XI. He performed well during the Australia tour.
During the Perth Test in Australia, when Rohit Sharma didn’t play, KL Rahul opened the innings and made a strong impression. Now, with Rohit unavailable, Rahul is likely to return as an opener. At No. 3, Shubman Gill appears to be the top choice, with no real competition for that slot.
Gill has been trying to establish himself at No. 3 after Cheteshwar Pujara’s departure and may continue to play in that position. With Virat Kohli also out, the No. 4 slot is vacant. A seasoned player is needed here, and Karun Nair, who has returned to the team after eight years, might be included in the XI for that role.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is expected to play at No. 5. He has the potential to make a big impact at that position. Following him, the team will look for all-rounders, with Nitish Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja being the top options. Additionally, Shardul Thakur might be picked as another all-rounder, completing the lineup till No. 8.
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In the pace attack, Jasprit Bumrah will be the lead bowler. He is likely to be supported by two more fast bowlers—Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. If three pacers are selected, then spinner Kuldeep Yadav might miss out on a place in the XI.
India’s Probable Playing XI for the England Tour:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
