• Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer has picked a bold India XI for the first Test against England in Leeds.

  • The five-match Test series will start on June 20.

Wasim Jaffer picks India’s playing XI for the first Test against England, no place for Nitish Reddy
Wasim Jaffer picks India’s playing XI (Image Source: X)

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As Team India gear up for an intense Test series against England, fans and experts alike are speculating about the playing XI and match conditions. Among them, former Indian Batter Wasim Jaffer has also shared his valuable insights ahead of the much-anticipated series. With several seasoned players having recently bid farewell to the longest format, finding the right combination will be crucial as India looks to begin a new chapter.

Wasim Jaffer prefers Prasidh Krishna over Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI

With so much analysis going around India’s new playing XI where batting order is a bigger question, Jaffer shared his valuable playing XI on platform X. Former Indian cricketer Jaffer recently shared his preferred playing XI for the upcoming Test series. For the opening pair, he backed the much-talked-about combination of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, focusing on a blend of senior experience and fresh energy. At the number three spot — often seen as a key position — he named two possible choices: Abhimanyu Easwaran or Sai Sudharsan, giving selectors room to decide based on form and conditions.

Shubman Gill, who will lead the side, comes in at number four, followed by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and the returning Karun Nair. India’s all weather all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja at number 7, with no surprise. For the bowling unit, Jaffer offered flexibility, suggesting either Shardul Thakur or Kuldeep Yadav depending on what the pitch offers. In the pace attack, he went with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Prasidh Krishna — a trio that brings control, speed, and bounce.

Also READ: Deep Dasgupta picks India’s playing XI for the first Test against England, no place for Sai Sudharsan

Team India searching for the perfect balance

With a new cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 underway, the Indian team is focused on finding the right balance in its playing XI. Following the recent retirement of seasoned stars Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, the responsibility now falls on the shoulders of Shubman Gill. Leading a relatively young side, Gill faces a major challenge in the upcoming English summer, a true test of leadership and resilience.

Also READ: Mohammad Kaif picks India’s playing XI for the first Test against England

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About the Author:
VARUN VERMA
Varun Verma is a dedicated cricket enthusiast with a flair for storytelling and in-depth analysis. Combining a deep knowledge of the sport with a talent for engaging content creation, he brings the drama and thrill of the game to life for fans around the world. Drawing inspiration from the grit and passion of players like Ben Stokes, Varun aspires to one day experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. He can be reached at varun.verma@crickettimes.com and followed on LinkedIn and X.