Shubman Gill, the new captain of India, will lead an 18-man team in the five-match Test series. Ravi Shastri supported the left-right pairing of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to start the innings, stressing the value of a strong opening partnership.
The playing eleven for India’s opening Test match against England, which is set to start on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, has been announced by former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri. India’s new campaign in the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle will begin with this match.
He emphasised that KL Rahul was the team’s most seasoned batter and had done well on India’s last tour to England. Sai Sudharsan was also suggested by Ravi Shastri as a top order alternative, with captain Gill coming in at number four.
Since I believe this is a significant tour for him, it would be (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, accompanied by KL Rahul. He is the batter with the most experience. When India last went England, he opened, received a hundred, and had a successful tour. He should therefore start the inning, in my opinion. I’ll accompany the child, Sai Sudarshan, at three. He is really outstanding, based on what I have seen of him. He will gain a lot of exposure from this tour,” Shastri stated in the ICC Review.
While highlighting Karun Nair’s significant experience in county cricket, the former Indian coach acknowledged that he could bat lower than Gill. Nair has finally been called up to the national team due to his steady efforts. For the Leeds Test, Shastri also selected Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper, batting him at number six.
“It will most likely be Karun Nair, based on the current form. He bats at number five, and he hasn’t played for India in a while. (Rishabh) Pant will be number six. I believe that Nair has put forth a lot of effort. He has recently regained his position. “He has an amazing amount of runs in first-last cricket,” Ravi Shastri remarked.
And I got to know him at an IPL match. “Don’t just bang the door,” I said. Simply kick it down, enter, and proceed to that side. And I believe he has done so. The selectors looked in that manner and gave him a spot based only on his run total, he said.
Shardul Thakur and three seamers are chosen by Ravi Shastri over Nitish Kumar Reddy.
According to Ravi Shastri, Shardul Thakur is expected to occupy the No. 8 position, while Ravindra Jadeja would bat at No. 7 as the frontline spinner. Additionally, he affirmed that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both fast bowlers, will be included in the starting lineup. However, Arshdeep Singh might be included if the weather is cloudy; if not, Prasidh might be the last player in the pace assault.
In addition to Shardul Thakur, I would select three fast bowlers. You’ll have to watch who bowls the most, but I’m sure it will be difficult between Shardul and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Reddy might be selected due to his batting prowess if he gives you 12 or 14 overs, Ravi Shastri stated.
Additionally, I would pick Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and of course, Jasprit Bumrah as the three fast bowlers. If it’s cloudy and overcast in Leeds, there may be an incentive to choose left-armer Arshdeep Singh as well. Thus, it will be either Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep, but Siraj and Bumrah will be the other two,” he said.
The starting lineup for the first Test, as predicted by Ravi Shastri:
Shubman Gill (captain), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal
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