IND vs ENG: Karun Nair In, No Kuldeep? Ravi Shastri picks India Playing 11 for 1st Test

Add as a preferred source on Google

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has proposed a bold playing XI for India's first Test against England at Headingley, set to begin on June 20, 2025.

With Shubman Gill taking over the reins as Test captain, Shastri has made some decisive calls, most notably leaving out Kuldeep Yadav and assigning Gill a pivotal role in the batting line-up.

It will be a massive challenge for the Indian team which will have a tall task against England, especially without their senior pillars. The Test match also commences the new World Test Championship cycle for India.

Kuldeep Yadav Snubbed for Seam-Heavy Attack

Despite Kuldeep Yadav's recent resurgence in red-ball cricket, Shastri has opted for a pace-dominant bowling unit, picking Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner. The decision appears to be based on the traditionally seam-friendly conditions at Headingley, which usually offer little assistance to wrist spin. The inclusion of four specialist pacers underlines India's intent to dominate with swing and seam.

Gill at No. 4?

Shastri has firmly backed Shubman Gill to bat at No. 4, a position vacated by Virat Kohli's absence and long seen as India's most crucial spot in the line-up. According to Shastri, Gill has the technique, maturity, and temperament to anchor the middle order and lead by example. This move also pushes KL Rahul to open the innings, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Will Karun Nair have the Comeback?

The most eye-catching selections are the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan, likely to make his Test debut at No. 3, and the return of Karun Nair, who hasn't played a Test in over eight years. Both selections signal a transitional phase in Indian cricket, where red-ball performers are being rewarded regardless of past omissions.

India Playing XI for 1st Test by Ravi Shastri

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna / Arshdeep Singh