India's Test Series Against England: Team Composition and Key Players

As the India vs England Test series approaches, cricket fans are eager to see how the Indian team will adapt following the retirements of key players like R. Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. With Rishabh Pant stepping up as vice-captain, the batting order is under scrutiny, especially the crucial no. 3 position. The pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Md. Siraj, also presents intriguing options. Discover the potential playing XI and insights into the team's strategy as they prepare for the first Test at Headingley on June 20.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2025, 01:59 IST

Upcoming Test Series Details

The highly anticipated five-match Test series between England and India is set to commence on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. While England has already announced their playing XI for the opening match, India’s lineup remains uncertain.

Impact of Recent Retirements

The recent retirements of cricket legends R. Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have created significant gaps in the Indian squad. Ashwin's retirement occurred during the Australia series, and despite India playing two Tests afterward, the announcements from Rohit and Kohli just before the England tour selection took many fans by surprise. This has undoubtedly left a considerable void in the batting lineup.

Insights from Rishabh Pant

On Wednesday, Rishabh Pant, the newly appointed vice-captain, shared insights about the batting order with the media. The 27-year-old confirmed that Shubman Gill, making his captaincy debut, will bat at the no. 4 position, while Pant himself will occupy the no. 5 spot. However, the player for the no. 3 position is still to be decided.

Probable Batters

It is likely that Yashashvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will open the innings, given their successful partnership in Australia. The crucial decision lies in selecting the no. 3 batter, with contenders including A. Easwaran, Karun Nair, and Sai Sudharshan. Nair and Sudharshan appear to be leading candidates due to their impressive recent performances.

The choice for the no. 6 position is also significant, as the management must decide between a specialist batter or an all-rounder. Possible options for a pure batter include Karun Nair or Dhruv Jurel, while Nitish Kumar Reddy could be favored as an all-rounder, given his success in Australia. Ravindra Jadeja's position in the lower order is already secured.

The Pace Attack

Jasprit Bumrah and Md. Siraj are expected to lead the pace attack. India has several options for the third seamer, including P. Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana, providing a variety of choices. The conditions in England may favor Krishna and Arshdeep, especially considering their recent form. Krishna might have an advantage due to his experience and performance in the last Test against Australia.

Additionally, Shardul Thakur is a viable option as the fourth seamer, thanks to his all-round capabilities and previous success in English conditions, particularly with the bat. He could compete directly with Reddy for this role.

Probable Playing XI

The first potential playing XI could be: KL Rahul, Yashashvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharshan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk & vc), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

An alternative lineup might include: KL Rahul, Yashashvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharshan/Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk & vc), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Confirmed England Playing XI

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir