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As India gear up for a historic five-match Test series in England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, the buzz around the squad announcement is at an all-time high. With senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin bidding farewell to the longest format, a fresh-looking Indian team is expected to take the field under a new leader. Amidst all the speculation, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has put forth his predicted playing XI for the first Test, offering insights into who could carry the mantle forward in this transition phase.
Aakash Chopra picks his probable XI of Team India
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra named Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as the ideal pair to begin India’s innings. The duo impressed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, and Chopra believes they have the skillset to perform in challenging English conditions.
“I am going with Yashasvi Jaiswal, with KL Rahul alongside him. One doesn’t have to think much. Both did well in the BGT as well,” said Chopra.
For the No. 3 spot, Chopra weighed between two promising left-handers – Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. While Padikkal has already had a taste of Test cricket during the BGT, Sudharsan’s recent form makes him a strong contender.
“At No. 3, it could be either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal. Maybe Devdutt Padikkal is ahead in that race because he was seen playing recently in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sai Sudharsan is slightly out of the box, but you feel he can play at No. 3 because of the excellent form he is in,” he remarked.
Chopra picks a new captain of Indian Test side
Chopra envisioned Shubman Gill not just as a key batter at No. 4 but also as the next Test captain. With Kohli out, he believes this is the perfect time to groom Gill for leadership.
“This means captain Shubman Gill will go to No. 4. Firstly, I am saying he will become the captain.I see him going down the order. This is where he will settle down, as a No. 4 batter for India in Test matches,” observed Chopra.
Rishabh Pant, making his return after a lengthy injury layoff, finds a place at No. 5. Youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has made waves with his all-round talent, is Chopra’s pick at No. 6. Veteran Ravindra Jadeja adds balance at No. 7 with his experience and versatility.
“Rishabh Pant at No. 5, and I am thinking Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 6. I am saying Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7,” added Chopra.
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A strong bowling attack
Chopra reckoned Washington Sundar could be a smart inclusion due to England’s left-heavy batting line-up. For the pace-bowling all-rounder role, it’s a choice between Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar, depending on the conditions and match strategy.
The frontline pace battery, according to Chopra, will include Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The third seamer’s spot hinges on the fitness of Mohammad Shami, with Prasidh Krishna being the backup option.
“The team might play Washington Sundar because there will be a lot of left-handers in the opposition. At No. 8, I am thinking either Shardul Thakur or Deepak Chahar. Then Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Shami, if he is fit and available, or else I will think about Prasidh Krishna,” Chopra concluded.
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