India's Test squad for the first match against England at Headingley, Leeds, signals a transition period under the leadership of Shubman Gill, following the retirements of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The series kicks off on June 20, 2025, marking the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Ajinkya Rahane's predicted playing XI includes two uncapped players, adding an element of surprise and fresh energy to the team.
The predicted opening pair is Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. KL Rahul is the most experienced batter in the squad. The middle order is expected to feature Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, followed by captain Shubman Gill at No. 4. Rishabh Pant, making a comeback, will likely bat at No. 5, with Karun Nair also in the mix after a long hiatus. Ravindra Jadeja is expected to handle the all-rounder's responsibilities.
One of the "surprise picks" could be Sai Sudharsan, an uncapped player. Rahane has backed Sudharsan for the No. 3 spot. Sai Sudharsan's inclusion is supported by his performance in the IPL 2025. Abhimanyu Easwaran is another option for the No. 3 position, bringing a wealth of domestic experience. Mohammad Kaif has voiced his support for Easwaran, emphasizing the importance of respecting his first-class record.
The other "surprise pick" could be Nitish Kumar Reddy, who provides an all-rounder option with his seam bowling. Shardul Thakur is another contender for the all-rounder's slot, praised by Rahane for his contributions in crucial situations. Thakur's ability to take wickets and score runs makes him a valuable asset.
The pace attack will likely be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Prasidh Krishna is also expected to play a crucial role as the third fast bowling option. Arshdeep Singh is another potential option to round out the bowling attack.
England has already announced their playing XI. It features Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir. Chris Woakes returns to the team.
The Headingley pitch is traditionally favorable for batting, but spinners could come into play later in the Test. Weather forecasts predict bright and sunny conditions for the first three days.
