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As the highly anticipated Test series between England and India approaches, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has shared his preferred Indian XI for the opening match. With India entering a transitional phase and several young faces vying for Test spots, Kaif’s lineup strikes a balance between experience and emerging talent. The five-match series between two cricketing giants will begin on June 20.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, three stalwarts of Indian Test cricket, have stepped away from the format, triggering a generational transition. The squad, under a new leadership core, will need to find form and character fast, especially in tough English conditions.
Mohammad Kaif’s India XI for the first Test in Leeds
At the top, Kaif backed KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers. Both batters had solid outings in the recent red-ball fixtures in Australia, with Jaiswal impressing through his aggressive style and an average of 52, while Rahul provided much-needed stability. At number 3, Kaif picked Abhimanyu Easwaran, a domestic stalwart who has long been on the selectors’ radar. In the absence of Kohli, he placed the new Indian captain Shubman Gill at number 4. At 5, Kaif chose Karun Nair, followed by Rishabh Pant, who is looking to bounce back after a forgettable IPL season.
In the all-rounder department, Kaif went with the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja and pace all-rounder Nitish Reddy, who scored a century at the MCG in India’s last Test series. However, Reddy’s bowling remains a concern due to fitness issues. If he is unavailable, Kaif suggested Shardul Thakur, who has been included in the squad as a backup. For the pace attack, he opts for three proven performers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, forming a strong and experienced bowling unit.
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- Openers: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Top & Middle order: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair
- Wicketkeeper-Batter: Rishabh Pant
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Reddy/ Shardul Thakur
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Team India set to begin a new era under Shubman Gill
India heads into a challenging Test series without two of its biggest icons Kohli and Rohit, marking the beginning of a transitional era, under skipper Shubman Gill. The absence of senior legends creates both a void and an opportunity for the younger generation to step up and take charge. With new leadership and fresh faces in the squad, this is a crucial moment to redefine the team’s identity. The series presents a chance for emerging talents to prove themselves on the global stage, gain valuable experience, and script a bold new chapter in Indian cricket — one driven by hunger, resilience, and a vision for long-term success.
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