IND vs ENG: Ravi Shastri selected Indian playing XI for the first test, expressed confidence in these players

The five-Test series between India and England is starting from June 20 in Leeds. Both the teams will start their World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle with this series. The Indian team will go into this series without its two most experienced batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and the command of the team will also be in the hands of young Shubman Gill. Many suggestions have been given for the combination of the batting order in this 19-member team. Now former India coach Ravi Shastri has also given his opinion on this. Ravi Shastri is supporting young Sai Sudarshan to make his Test debut and bat at the crucial number three in the first match of the series against England.

Ravi wants Karun Nair, who has performed ‘brilliantly’ in first-class cricket, to bat at number five. The first match of the five-match series will start in Leeds from Friday, which will be Shubman Gill’s first series as Indian captain. Shastri said in the ICC Review on Tuesday, “It will be Yashasvi Jaiswal for opening and Lokesh Rahul will be with him because I think this is a big tour for him. He is the most experienced batsman.” (Ravi Shastri Picks Indian Playing XI for 1st Test vs England)

Sudarshan is the best batsman at number 3

He said, “When India last toured England, he (Rahul) opened the innings, scored a century and had a good tour. So I would expect him to open the innings.” Shastri said, “At number three, I will go with young player Sai Sudarshan. Whatever I have seen of him, he is very impressive. This tour will be a good experience for him.” Twenty-three-year-old Sudarshan is in great form, recently he became the youngest player to score 700 runs in a single IPL season after a successful performance in first-class cricket.

Gill and Karun Nair come at number 4 and 5

The former Indian captain placed new Test captain Gill at number four, who has batted at number three in his first 32 Test matches. According to Shastri, based on current form, Karun Nair, who is returning to the Test team after a long gap of eight years, will be the ideal choice at number five at Headingley. Apart from his excellent performance in first-class cricket, Nair’s experience of playing county cricket is also in his favor.

Shastri said, “Based on current form, Karun Nair will be the best option. He bats at number five, it has been a long time since he played for India. (Rishabh) Pant will be at number six. “As far as the bowling attack is concerned, Shastri said that considering the conditions in Leeds, he will go with three fast bowlers.

Three fast bowlers; Kuldeep Yadav not given place

He said, “I know that the competition between Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy will be difficult but you have to see who bowls how much. If Reddy is going to give you 12, 14 overs, then he can get a chance because of his batting. Shastri said, “And there will be three fast bowlers, I will choose Prasidh Krishna, Mohammad Siraj and of course Jasprit Bumrah. If the sky is cloudy in Leeds, then left-arm bowler Arshdeep Singh can also be selected. So it will be Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep but the other two will be Siraj and Bumrah.”

Ravi Shastri’s Indian playing XI for the first Test

Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh

India’s Test squad for England tour

Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.