 "Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav during a Test match against England. Image: Reuters")
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced India’s squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting 20 June. With Shubman Gill named as the new Test captain and Rishabh Pant as his deputy, all eyes are now on what the playing XI could look like for the first Test at Leeds.
India are entering a new era in Test cricket after the back-to-back retirements of stalwarts Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. The team selection for the England series is reflective of that. Check out our predicted playing XI for the first Test match in Headingley, Leeds.
India’s predicted playing XI for 1st Test against England
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young left-hander has been in excellent form in recent matches and is expected to open the innings like he did with Rohit.
2. KL Rahul: He opened the batting alongside Jaiswal in the absence of Rohit in Australia. Rahul is expected to do the same during the England Tests.
3. Sai Sudharsan: The Tamil Nadu batter is likely to make his Test debut in England. He could be tried at No. 3 with Kohli gone and Gill expected to take the No. 4 spot.
4. Shubman Gill (captain): Leading the side for the first time in Tests, Gill is expected to bat at No. 4, which used to be Kohli’s position.
5. Rishabh Pant (vice-captain & wicketkeeper): Pant is expected to keep his role both with the bat and behind the stumps at the start of the series.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts6. Ravindra Jadeja: The experienced all-rounder will be a key part of the Indian line-up in England. He brings a balance to the side with both bat and ball.
7. Nitish Kumar Reddy: The Andhra Pradesh cricketer made his debut during the previous tour of England and performed well. He will likely keep his place.
8. Kuldeep Yadav: Despite the conditions in England suiting fast bowlers, Kuldeep will likely be part of the playing XI.
9. Prasidh Krishna: He offers pace and bounce and could partner well with other fast bowlers. He also performed well in the last series and is likely to play.
10. Jasprit Bumrah: India’s pace spearhead will lead the fast bowling attack if he is fully fit before the first Test match.
11. Mohammed Siraj: Siraj’s recent performances in red-ball cricket has not been up to the mark but he is still expected to start the series in England.
India’s full squad
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
India vs England full schedule
1st Test
Friday, 20 June 2025 to Tuesday, 24 June 2025
3:30 PM IST
Venue: Headingley, Leeds
2nd Test
Wednesday, 2 July 2025 to Sunday, 6 July 2025
3:30 PM IST
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
3rd Test
Thursday, 10 July 2025 to Monday, 14 July 2025
3:30 PM IST
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
4th Test
Wednesday, 23 July 2025 to Sunday, 27 July 2025
3:30 PM IST
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
5th Test
Thursday, 31 July 2025 to Monday, 4 August 2025
3:30 PM IST
Venue: Kennington Oval, London