How will India line up without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? India probable XI for 1st Test against England
Context:
The Indian cricket team is preparing for a challenging Test series in England without two of their key players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have stepped away from the format. The team is set to have a new look with young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan expected to open, while Shubman Gill is anticipated to lead the side in Rohit's absence. The middle order remains uncertain with KL Rahul's flexibility and Rishabh Pant's aggressive style being crucial in English conditions. Ravindra Jadeja brings experience as the primary all-rounder, and the bowling attack will rely on the proven trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami. The team faces the challenge of performing under intense scrutiny and difficult playing conditions in England, with several players positioned to make significant contributions in the absence of their senior leaders.
Dive Deeper:
Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket and Virat Kohli's decision to step back mark a significant change for the Indian team, leaving them without their experienced opener and captain for the upcoming Test series against England.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, at just 23, is set to open and has gained experience from tours in Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies, yet he faces the challenge of adapting to England's seam and swing conditions.
Sai Sudharsan, likely to debut, has demonstrated his prowess in English conditions with performances in the County Championship and Ranji Trophy, complementing his current form.
Shubman Gill is the most experienced in the top three and is expected to lead the team in Rohit Sharma's absence, despite his overseas challenges with an average of 19 in prior matches.
KL Rahul's versatility could be pivotal, possibly opening or filling the No.4 slot, given his proven track record in England, averaging 34 with two centuries.
Rishabh Pant, known for his counter-attacking style, returns as the first-choice wicketkeeper, which could be advantageous in England, while Ravindra Jadeja, as the most experienced player now, will play a key role as the primary all-rounder.
The pace attack, consisting of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami, is vital to India's chances, with the team needing to adapt quickly to English conditions and scrutiny.
Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement may not have stunned anyone, but it still marks the end of an era. India now finds itself without its senior-most opener and Test captain, and Virat Kohli now joins the India skipper.
Kohli follows through on reported plans to retire and step away from the format. India’s XI for the England tour will be without the two batters who’ve anchored the side for the better part of a decade.
There’s no dearth of talent waiting in the wings. But replacing experience, especially ahead of a five-match Test series in England starting June 20, is a different challenge altogether. The conditions are brutal. The scrutiny, even worse.
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India’s top order is set to wear a new look. Yashasvi Jaiswal will almost certainly open. He’s just 23, but already a mainstay; having toured Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies.Despite playing fewer than 20 Tests, he walks into the side. But there are still question marks over how well he’ll handle English seam and swing.
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His partner? Likely to be debutant Sai Sudharsan. The 22-year-old has done everything but wear the India whites. He’s played five County Championship games across two seasons, including a ton for Surrey from No.6 last year.
This year, he hammered a double-century for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy and is now one run shy of reclaiming the IPL 2025 Orange Cap. He’s in form and has spent time batting in English conditions, a rare combo.
Shubman Gill retains the No.3 role. Since Cheteshwar Pujara’s exit, Gill has averaged 38 with three centuries. But his overseas numbers? An average of 19 with a best of just 36 in 12 innings. That won’t cut it in England and he knows it. Still, he’s the most senior batter in this top three and is expected to lead the side in Rohit’s absence.
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The No.4 slot, long owned by Kohli, is wide open. KL Rahul could step in, although since the start of 2024, he’s batted at No.3, No.4, No.6 and even opened. He’s proven in England too, he averages 34 there with two hundreds, both as an opener. If selectors prefer stability up top, Rahul may be asked to open again, pushing Sudharsan to No.3 and Gill to No.4.
Rishabh Pant returns as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper. His counter-attacking style could be a huge asset in these conditions. Ravindra Jadeja will walk in as the primary all-rounder and, with Kohli and Rohit out, as the most experienced player in the XI.
To fill out the middle order, India has two main options: Shreyas Iyer or Devdutt Padikkal. Iyer has been in blazing form since being dropped from the Test side. Padikkal, on the other hand, has had two solid games one each in Dharamsala and Perth; and offers a left-handed option.
For the lower order, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar or Axar Patel could be considered, depending on the balance the team wants. Reddy, in particular, brings batting depth and a seam-up option, something India might lean on in England.
The pace attack picks itself: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami. That trio is battle-tested and crucial to India’s chances.
Dhruv Jurel will likely serve as Pant’s backup, but given his compact defensive game and versatility, he could be used as a specialist batter if needed. As a backup opener, Abhimanyu Easwaran might finally get his Test cap; though he’s likely to begin the series on the bench.
India’s probable XI for 1st Test vs. England
Here is how India's playing 11 might look for the 1st Test against England without Rohit and Kohli:- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- KL Rahul
- Rishabh Pant
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shreyas Iyer/Devdutt Padikkal
- Nitish Reddy
- Mohammed Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammad Siraj