IND vs ENG: Nasser Hussain Snubs Rohit Sharma in Post-2000 Combined Test XI

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IND vs ENG: Nasser Hussain Snubs Rohit Sharma in Post-2000 Combined Test XI

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the blockbuster five-match Test series between India and England set to commence on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, a fiery debate has ignited over the greatest talents of the post-2000 era. Former England captain Nasser Hussain has stirred the pot by unveiling his combined India-England Test XI, notably leaving out Indian captain Rohit Sharma while championing modern icons like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.

In a candid discussion with fellow cricketing great Michael Atherton, Hussain described his selections as a tribute to Test cricket’s finest over the past 25 years. ‘Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root are non-negotiable in this lineup,’ he asserted. However, when it came to the opening slots, Hussain prioritized an explosive duo of Virender Sehwag from India and England’s Alastair Cook, sidelining Rohit despite his stellar record. ‘I admire Rohit Sharma, but Sehwag’s sheer aggression in Test cricket and Cook’s steadfastness create a dream opening pair,’ Hussain explained.

The omission of Rohit, who has amassed over 4,000 Test runs at an average nearing 45, including 12 centuries, has sparked heated discussions among fans and pundits alike. Many argue that Rohit’s adaptability and recent form, especially as an opener since 2019, warranted a spot over Sehwag, whose career peaked earlier in the 2000s. Yet, Hussain’s choice reflects a nostalgia for Sehwag’s fearless approach, with the Delhi dasher holding a Test strike rate of over 82—one of the highest for openers in history.

Adding fuel to the pre-series buzz, Hussain didn’t shy away from making bold predictions for the upcoming clash. Writing in his Mail Sport column, he forecasted a 3-1 victory for England, citing their formidable home advantage and India’s potential vulnerabilities. ‘With key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma reportedly unavailable for parts of the series, India will miss their experience and run-scoring prowess. England’s potent bowling attack, led by veterans like Chris Woakes, and their recent home form should tilt the scales,’ he wrote.

Echoing Hussain’s confidence, former England off-spinner Graeme Swann went a step further, predicting a 4-1 triumph for the Three Lions. ‘This series is the perfect precursor to the Ashes. After being outplayed in Indian conditions during the 2021 tour, England must seize this opportunity at home. Without Kohli and Rohit in the mix, it’s our time to dominate,’ Swann remarked on a recent podcast. England’s last home series against India in 2021-22 resulted in a hard-fought 2-2 draw, making this upcoming battle even more critical for Ben Stokes’ men to assert dominance.

India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, will aim to defy these predictions. A young and dynamic squad, featuring promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, is geared up to challenge England’s resolve. Meanwhile, England’s lineup, bolstered by the likes of Joe Root and Harry Brook, looks to capitalize on familiar conditions across iconic venues like Lord’s and The Oval.

As Test cricket’s oldest rivalry reignites, the series promises high-octane action and defining moments. With the first Test at Headingley just around the corner, can India overcome the odds, or will England’s home supremacy prevail as Hussain and Swann predict? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—every ball bowled will carry the weight of history.

India Squad for the Test Series

  • Shubman Gill (C)
  • Rishabh Pant (VC & WK)
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • KL Rahul
  • Sai Sudharsan
  • Abhimanyu Easwaran
  • Karun Nair
  • Nitish Reddy
  • Ravindra Jadeja
  • Dhruv Jurel (WK)
  • Washington Sundar
  • Shardul Thakur
  • Jasprit Bumrah
  • Mohd. Siraj
  • Prasidh Krishna
  • Akash Deep
  • Arshdeep Singh
  • Kuldeep Yadav

England Squad for the Test Series

  • Ben Stokes (C)
  • Shoaib Bashir
  • Jacob Bethell
  • Harry Brook
  • Brydon Carse
  • Sam Cook
  • Zak Crawley
  • Ben Duckett
  • Jamie Overton
  • Ollie Pope
  • Joe Root
  • Jamie Smith
  • Josh Tongue
  • Chris Woakes

IND vs ENG Test Series Schedule

  • 1st Test: June 20-24, 2025 – Headingley, Leeds
  • 2nd Test: July 2-6, 2025 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
  • 3rd Test: July 10-14, 2025 – Lord’s, London
  • 4th Test: July 23-27, 2025 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
  • 5th Test: July 31-August 4, 2025 – Kia Oval, London

Stay tuned as we bring you every update from this epic clash of titans. Will Hussain’s predictions ring true, or will India rewrite the script? Drop your thoughts on his combined XI and the series outcome in the comments below!

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