India Playing XI vs England: India will face England in the first of their five-Test series starting June 20. Former coach Ravi Shastri has shared his predicted lineup, which includes the return of all-rounder Shardul Thakur and a new batting spot for Shubman Gill.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired. Now, Shubman Gill is leading India’s young team and aims to start the World Test Championship cycle strongly.
We will discuss Shastri’s picks in today’s article.
India Playing XI vs England
Ravi Shastri has shared his India playing XI for the first Test against England starting June 20.
He picked Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers and placed debutant Sai Sudharsan at number three. Captain Shubman Gill has been moved to number four.
Shastri’s choice of Shardul Thakur over Nitish Reddy as the all-rounder adds balance. Fans are liking this mix of youth and experience.
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Shardul Thakur’s Comeback
Shardul Thakur, last seen in a Test series in 2023, earned his selection after scoring 122 runs in 68 balls and taking four wickets in India’s intra-squad matches.
Shastri picked him for his ability to bowl 15 to 20 overs and score runs at number eight.
Thakur’s 2021 England tour, where he scored two fifties and took eight wickets, boosts his chances.
His return strengthens India’s lower-order batting and bowling attack.
Shubman Gill’s New Role
Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, will bat at number four. According to Shastri’s playing XI, he lost his spot in Australia but returned batting at number three in Sydney, though his position has shifted to the middle order.
He has scored 1893 runs in 32 Test matches, and Shubman Gill’s leadership and batting skills are crucial. Shastri said Gill will provide stability at number four.
Sai Sudharsan’s Debut
Sai Sudharsan, a 23-year-old left-handed batsman, is set to make his Test debut batting at number three.
He scored 700 runs in the IPL 2025 season, and his solid first-class form impressed Ravi Shastri, who called him promising.
Sudharsan scored 38 runs in the intra-squad game, showing his readiness.
Karun Nair will bat at number five, and India’s batting looks fresh. Shastri’s team favors Sudharsan to fill the gap after Virat Kohli’s retirement.
Bowling Attack Strategy
Shastri’s playing XI includes three pacers—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh—plus Shardul Thakur.
Ravindra Jadeja is the lone spinner, and Shastri excluded Kuldeep Yadav, as he believes the pitch is seam-friendly. Bumrah will play only three Test matches and lead the attack. Shastri noted that Bumrah and Siraj are key picks.
India’s bowling squad, tested in the intra-squad match, appears well-prepared to challenge England’s aggressive batsmen.
