Ravi Shastri Picks Bold Playing XI for England Series, Shocks Fans with Surprise Opening Duo

Former head coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri, has selected his favorite playing XI for India ahead of the Headingley Test. India will play a five-match Test series against England starting from June 20.

For this Test series, Shubman Gill has been named the new captain of Team India. He got this responsibility after senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket. Meanwhile, before the first Test, Ravi Shastri picked his preferred playing XI for Team India. Let’s find out which players he included.

Recently, after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, the Indian Test team is starting a new chapter. Talking about this new era, in an interview published on the ICC website, Ravi Shastri said that India now needs to play with fresh thinking and planning, as this series is not just another contest but also the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

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Shastri chose Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as the opening pair, noting that Rahul’s century and experience in England will be valuable.. He said, "It will be Jaiswal and KL Rahul with him because I think this is a big tour for him (KL). He is the most experienced batsman. He opened the innings the last time India toured England, scored a century and had a good tour, so I would expect him to open the innings."

He picked Sai Sudarshan at number three, saying he has the technique and temperament to learn quickly on this tour. Shubman Gill, now captain, was his choice at number four. For number five, he backed Karun Nair, who has rediscovered form in domestic cricket and in county matches.

At number six, Shastri named Rishabh Pant as vice-captain and wicketkeeper, calling his return crucial. He kept Ravindra Jadeja at seven for his spin and all-round skills. For the eighth spot, he left the door open between Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy, suggesting that Reddy’s batting depth and ability to bowl a dozen overs could earn him the nod.

In the fast-bowling department, Shastri’s first three picks were Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. He added that Arshdeep Singh could come in if Leeds’s cloudy skies promise swing, since a left-arm seamer might thrive in those conditions. Shastri concluded that with legends like Kohli and Rohit gone, this is a golden chance for a new generation to make its mark.

Ravi Shastri's probable playing XI against England at a glance

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

2. KL Rahul

3. Sai Sudarshan

4. Shubman Gill (captain)

5. Karun Nair

6. Rishabh Pant (vice-captain/wicketkeeper)

7. Ravindra Jadeja

8. Shardul Thakur / Nitish Reddy

9. Mohammed Siraj

10. Prasidh Krishna / Arshdeep Singh

11. Jasprit Bumrah