Team India are going to start a new chapter in Test cricket with the five-Test series against England. This series will not only be a tough challenge on foreign soil, but is also the first episode of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. This time the atmosphere is different—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will no longer be part of the Test team.
This is the first series after the retirement of both the veterans in the red ball format, in which young batsman Shubman Gill will take charge of the team. This change is being seen as a moment that will determine the future direction of Indian Test cricket.
Meanwhile, former India coach and veteran commentator Ravi Shastri has revealed his choice of playing XI for Team India for the first Test. He believes that India should go with three main fast bowlers depending on the conditions and will have to choose either Shardul Thakur or Nitish Reddy as the fourth bowler. Shastri said that the role of fast bowling will be important in England, but it is also important to maintain balance.
“I would go with three fast bowlers, (plus) Shardul Thakur. I know it’ll be a tough one between Shardul and Nitish Reddy, but you have to see who bowls how much. If Reddy is going to give you 12 or 14 overs, then he might get the nod because of his batting,” Shastri told ICC Review.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul have been included for opening in Ravi Shastri's playing XI, while young Sai Sudarshan has been given a chance at number three. Captain Shubman Gill will bat at number four, followed by Karun Nair, who has returned to the team after a long time. Rishabh Pant has been included as wicketkeeper and vice-captain.
Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur are included as all-rounders. The responsibility of fast bowling will be on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh. Shastri's bench also has good options - names like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and Akash Deep.
ENG vs IND: Ravi Shastri's playing XI for Team India for the first Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna / Arshdeep Singh
Bench: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna / Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep
Opinion:
Looking at this selection, some things become clear. First, an attempt has been made to strike a balance between experience and youthful enthusiasm. The purpose of keeping Prasidh or Arshdeep as an option along with experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj is to keep the team ready for every situation.
Names like Sai Sudarshan and Karun Nair in the batting order indicate that the selectors and experts have faith in young talent. Shubman Gill becoming the captain is natural, but this is as big an opportunity as it is a challenge. In a place like England, where both the weather and the pitch change continuously, leadership will definitely be tested.
Ravi Shastri's team has the support of experience, but preparation for the future is also visible. This is a beginning that should be taken seriously. If this combination succeeds, India can look forward to a balance of stability and possibilities in Test cricket for the next few years.
