IND vs ENG 1st Test: Sai Sudharsan IN, No Kuldeep Yadav? India Predicted Playing 11 for Headlingley Test

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India will commence the new cycle of the World Test Championship as they take on England in the 1st Test, slated to be played in Headingley from Friday (June 20).

The Test against England marks the beginning of a new era, with Shubman Gill stepping in as captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. After the colossal departures in Indian cricket, Gill and the boys will be hoping to weather the storm in English conditions.

A number of key players are set to take field for India in this huge match, and Gautam Gambhir and his staff may go with one spinner, along with four pace options. Selection of the playing 11 will be a key task for the Indian coach, but we can predict a strong team to take centre stage.

India Team News vs England 1st Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to open, offering a blend of youth and experience. The No. 3 spot is likely to be contested between the in-form Sai Sudharsan and consistent domestic performer Abhimanyu Easwaran. Gill will slot in at No. 4, taking on Kohli's role, while Rishabh Pant is set to play in the middle-order.

Ravindra Jadeja continues as the key all-rounder, offering control with the ball and depth with the bat. Shardul Thakur's dual skills make him a valuable asset, particularly in seam-friendly conditions. The pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Prasidh Krishna likely to complete the trio to exploit Headingley's bounce and movement.

Will Sai Sudharsan play? Kuldeep Yadav to be Left Out?

Sai Sudharsan has a chance to make his Test debut in the match. The southpaw's prolific form across all formats has set a benchmark and he may be handed his debut cap in the match. Headlingley's condition demands four quality pacers and that may be the reason behind Kuldeep Yadav's axe. Ravindra Jadeja will be ahead in the pecking order because of his batting ability.

India Predicted Playing 11 vs England for 1st Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan/Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill (c), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.

England Playing 11 vs India for 1st Test

England have already announced their lineup for the 1st Test and they have named a strong team for this encounter. Ben Stokes is set to captain them and Chris Woakes is back in the side.

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir