 "India’s ideal batting lineup for first Test against England: Who will make the cut?")
India are all set to begin their five-match Test series against England, with the first Test starting at Headingley, Leeds on 20 June. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired from red-ball cricket, the Indian team will have a fresh look when they face England later this month.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian Test squad, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. A couple of players have received their maiden Test call-ups for the much-anticipated series, while some are making their comebacks after a long time.
Ahead of the first match, let’s take a look at what India’s batting lineup could be for the opening Test.
Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul
Even though Yashasvi Jaiswal has not done anything big in the ongoing unofficial Tests against England Lions, he is still likely to keep his place as an opener. Jaiswal has shown his talent in the past and the team management might give him another chance to prove his worth.
KL Rahul scored a century and a fifty in his first practice match against England Lions. This shows that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter is in form. With Rohit Sharma retired, Rahul could take up the opener’s slot alongside Jaiswal. He did the same during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia earlier this year.
No. 3: Karun Nair
There is a small fight for the No. 3 spot between Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan. But Karun Nair has made a strong case with a double century in the first practice game against England Lions. He has been called back to the Test team after an eight-year absence and currently appears to be the likely choice for this position.
No. 4: Shubman Gill (Captain)
With Virat Kohli retired from red-ball cricket, Shubman Gill will probably take the responsibility of batting at No. 4. Gill has batted mostly as an opener or at No. 3 in Tests, but now he has to step up in the middle-order and take Kohli’s place. He will also lead India in this series for the first time.
No. 5: Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant is expected to continue at No. 5 and keep his role behind the stumps. He has been appointed the vice-captain of the team and is likely to start in the first Test match in Leeds. Pant’s form will be a concern since he has not performed well for the past several months.
India’s predicted playing XI for 1st Test vs England:
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Karun Nair
Shubman Gill (C)
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
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