India strongest playing 11 for IND vs ENG 1st Test

Team India is set to return to red-ball action in the much-anticipated five-Test series against England at Headingley, Leeds. Let us explore the details of India strongest playing 11 for IND vs ENG 1st Test match.

With the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, this marks a new era in Indian Test cricket. The series also kicks off a fresh World Test Championship cycle, making it a crucial contest for the Indian team. Let’s take a look at India’s strongest playing 11 for first test against England.  

India Top-order

KL Rahul will likely to open the innings alongside the aggressive Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal, his record in England (614 runs at 34.11 with a century at Lord’s) makes him a vital presence. Shubman Gill, newly appointed captain, brings a fearless mindset and averages 35 in his short Test career. 

Sai Sudharsan is set for a Test debut at No. 4. A consistent domestic performer, he scored decent runs in the India A tour and brings solid technique against the moving ball. Karun Nair, with a triple century to his name, adds experience at No. 5 and a hunger to re-establish himself. 

India Wicketkeeper

Vice-captain Rishabh Pant returns as the primary wicketkeeper. His record in England is outstanding 492 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of over 70, making him a game-changer at No. 6.  

India All-rounders

Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur offer the perfect blend of batting depth and bowling control. Jadeja averages nearly 42 with the bat from 2021 and provides control with his left-arm spin. T 

Thakur struck a ton with the bat in the recently conducted intra-squad match. While Nitish Reddy, the rising all-rounder, is likely to make to the final 11, bringing pace and energy to the attack. 

India Pace Attack

Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace unit with Mohammed Siraj as his partner. Bumrah has 37 wickets in 9 Tests in England, while Siraj’s decent performance in the recent practice game reinforces his form and control with the Dukes ball. 

India’s strongest playing 11 for 1st Test vs England at Leeds

Batters: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair 

Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant (vc),  

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Nitish Reddy 

Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj 

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