India vs England: As Team India gears up for their high-voltage Test series against England starting June 20, all eyes are on the next generation of Indian cricketers who are set to take the field in the absence of legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With Shubman Gill leading a young squad into the heart of English conditions, fans are buzzing with anticipation — and also questions about what India’s playing XI might look like.
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To address that curiosity, former India opener Wasim Jaffer has revealed his predicted playing XI for the first Test — a team he believes can give England a tough fight on their home turf.
Opening With Experience and Flair: Rahul & Jaiswal
India vs England: Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Jaffer backed the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Rahul brings composure and experience, Jaiswal’s aggressive flair could be the perfect foil in the swinging English conditions.
Jaffer explained that Rahul’s technique suits the English conditions and that Jaiswal’s hunger to dominate gives India a dynamic start.
Tough Call at No. 3: Sudharsan or Easwaran?
India vs England: For the crucial No. 3 spot, Jaffer admitted to being torn between two contenders — Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Both have been impressive in domestic and India A circuits, and the team management’s final call could come down to recent form in the warm-up games.
Captain Shubman Gill at No. 4
India vs England: India’s new red-ball skipper Shubman Gill finds his place at No. 4 — a position that many feel suits his style of play. With Kohli no longer in the mix, the responsibility of anchoring the middle order now rests on Gill’s young shoulders.
The Comebacks: Pant & Karun Nair
India vs England: Jaffer slotted Rishabh Pant at No. 5 — a move that reflects the growing confidence in Pant’s fitness and form post-injury. His counter-attacking style could be a game-changer in England.
At No. 6, it’s a big surprise: Karun Nair, who is making a comeback to the national setup after nearly 8 years, finds a place in Jaffer’s XI. The former triple-centurion has been grinding it out in domestic cricket and is seen as a reliable middle-order option.
Spin Department: Jadeja Leads, Kuldeep in Contention
India vs England: For the spin slot, Ravindra Jadeja is the obvious first pick due to his all-round abilities. However, Jaffer also mentioned Kuldeep Yadav as a possible inclusion — if the team opts for a second spinner. Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist spin could prove valuable, especially on Day 4 or 5 when the pitch starts turning.
Pace vs Spin Dilemma at No. 8
India vs England: Wasim Jaffer left the No. 8 position open to strategic flexibility. If India goes with an extra pacer, Shardul Thakur could be the ideal choice thanks to his batting ability and swing bowling. However, if conditions demand spin, Kuldeep Yadav might be slotted in.
Fast Bowling Trio: Bumrah, Siraj & Prasidh Krishna
India vs England: The pace department in Jaffer’s XI is led by the tried and tested duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Along with them, he picked Prasidh Krishna as the third pacer — highlighting the need for fresh legs and pace in English conditions.
Wasim Jaffer’s Predicted XI for 1st Test vs England:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Abhimanyu Easwaran / Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Karun Nair
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur / Kuldeep Yadav
- Prasidh Krishna
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Transition Phase in Indian Test Cricket
India vs England: With the departure of giants like Kohli and Rohit from the longest format, India’s red-ball team is in a transitional phase. Jaffer’s XI reflects a bold approach — giving the next generation a chance to establish themselves while retaining a few seasoned match-winners.
The upcoming Test series could be a defining moment in the careers of several young players. And if Jaffer’s team selection is anything to go by, the future of Indian Test cricket looks in safe — and exciting — hands.
