India Predicted Playing XI for 1st Test vs England: Karun Nair In, No Place for Sai Sudharsan – Sportsdunia Picks

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a big announcement. Shubman Gill will be the new captain of India’s Test cricket team. The young star batter is now leading the side in red-ball cricket. Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest batters, has retired from Test cricket. Kohli shared this emotional news on social media.

Fans all over the country have been sad as it is the end of a special and most successful chapter in India’s red ball cricket. Kohli’s decision was expected as it was soon declared after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format. Just a few days ago, Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket. A few months before that, Ravichandran Ashwin bid adieu to the whites. These three players are legends. All of them gave Indian fans many memories to treasure. But now, Indian cricket must move forward.

Team India Playing XI vs ENG: First Test against England

The future begins with a fresh start. The England tour is around the corner. It will be the first series of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With a new captain and fresh faces, India will start a new journey. As for India’s playing XI against England, young talent Sai Sudharsan, despite his impressive IPL performances, might miss the first Test as captain Shubman Gill is likely to prefer more experienced batters. Let's have a look at the predicted Team India playing XI vs England for the first test:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Jaiswal is expected to open the innings. He has done well in recent Test matches. Previously, he scored two double centuries and three half-centuries in the home series against England. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he scored 391 runs in 10 innings. Jaiswal is young, but he looks ready to take on the big responsibility.

2. KL Rahul

KL Rahul is likely to be Jaiswal’s partner at the top. He opened the innings in Australia when Rohit was unavailable. In the Perth Test, he played a key role with a 201-run stand alongside Jaiswal. Rahul has experience in England too. His 148 at the Oval in 2021 saved the match for India. Rahul’s calm nature helps him in tough situations.

3. Shubman Gill (Captain)

Shubman Gill has now been announced as India’s new Test captain. He is also expected to bat at number three. He has already played some big innings in his career. Everyone remembers his fearless 91 at the Gabba in 2021. That knock helped India win one of their most famous matches. Gill is only 25, but he has the talent and mindset to lead India into a new era.

4. Karun Nair

Karun Nair has returned to the Test side. He was in brilliant form in domestic cricket. He played a major role in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy win. He also aggregated a huge total in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Nair has also scored a triple hundred in a Test against England. If he does well in the India A tour, he could earn his place back in the team’s Playing XI.

5. Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)

Pant is a game-changer. He plays fearless cricket and can turn a match in a single session. His record in England is strong. He has two centuries and two fifties there. Pant, also the team’s vice-captain, is very handy behind the stumps. His return to the team after injury has been a big boost for India.

6. Nitish Kumar Reddy

The 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed everyone in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He scored a fighting hundred and also took five wickets. His medium pace can be very effective in English conditions. Plus, he adds depth to the batting order. Reddy is a rising star and can play a key role in the upcoming series.

7. Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja is India’s best spin-bowling all-rounder. He can bat at number seven and has the ability to score vital runs. In 12 Tests in England, he averages 30 with the bat. He has one hundred and three fifties there. With the ball, he has taken 27 wickets. He will look to improve his bowling average in English conditions. Jadeja’s presence brings the much-needed balance to the team.

8. Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna is a tall, fast bowler who hits the right areas. He is known for bowling accurately and getting wickets at key moments. He has not yet had a big Test series overseas. But this England tour could be his breakthrough moment. His style of bowling could be useful on swinging pitches.

9. Mohammed Siraj

Siraj has done well in England before. In 2021, he took 23 wickets in six Tests. India won two matches in that series. Siraj is known for bowling long spells. He keeps the pressure on the batters and picks wickets with discipline. His energy and effort help the team even when the conditions are tough.

10. Jasprit Bumrah

If India’s ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is declared fit for all matches, he will definitely lead the pace attack. In swinging conditions, he can be lethal. He can swing the ball both ways and bowls with great pace. Bumrah’s control and temperament make him dangerous. If he stays fit through the series, he could win matches on his own.

11. Akash Deep

Akash Deep is a promising fast bowler from Bengal. He got chances in the recent matches against England and Australia. He took 15 wickets from just seven Tests. He bowls a tight line and length. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he gave several impressive performances.

A New Chapter Begins for Team India under Shubman Gill

With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin gone, India’s Test team is entering a new phase. Shubman Gill will now carry the torch. He is young but has already shown great maturity. Leading India in Test cricket is a big challenge. But Gill has the talent and confidence to take the team forward. The England series will test this new-look Indian team. The conditions will be tough.

England’s bowlers are strong, and their batters will try to attack from ball one. India’s players will need to adapt quickly. But there is also a lot of hope. The team has exciting young talent. Players like Jaiswal, Reddy, and Akash Deep are ready to shine. Experienced names like Rahul, Pant, Jadeja, and Bumrah will provide balance.