IND vs ENG: Ravi Shastri’s Bold Picks—Snubs Kuldeep Yadav, Shifts Shubman Gill for Headingley Test
In a stunning revelation, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his ideal playing XI for India’s first Test against England at Headingley, set to commence on June 20. As India embarks on a new chapter under captain Shubman Gill—following the retirements of legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—Shastri’s selections come with bold calls, unexpected snubs, and a strategic rethink for the challenging English conditions in this World Test Championship cycle.
With India facing the world’s second-ranked Test team, Shastri’s lineup prioritizes experience, form, and adaptability. Let’s dive into his choices and the reasoning behind them, as the cricketing world braces for an enthralling series opener in Leeds.
Top Order: Experience Meets Youth
Shastri has gone for a balanced opening pair, backing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to set the tone. Highlighting Rahul’s proven track record in England, Shastri remarked, ‘It’ll be Jaiswal and KL Rahul. He’s the most experienced batsman in this squad for English conditions. Last time India toured, he opened, scored a century, and had a fantastic series. I’m banking on him to deliver again.’ Rahul’s 134 at Lord’s in 2021 remains a standout memory, and Shastri sees him as the anchor for this young batting unit.
At No. 3, Shastri has thrown a curveball by selecting Sai Sudarshan, the rising star who has impressed in domestic cricket. ‘I’ve seen enough of Sudarshan to know he’s got the temperament for Test cricket. This tour will be a massive opportunity for him,’ Shastri noted. Sudarshan’s recent Ranji Trophy heroics, including a double century for Tamil Nadu, seem to have caught the coach’s eye.
In a surprising move, new Test captain Shubman Gill has been slotted at No. 4, a departure from his usual opening or No. 3 role. With 32 Test matches under his belt and a promising average of 35.31, Gill’s shift to the middle order signals Shastri’s intent to build a robust top four while grooming him as a leader. ‘Gill at four gives us stability. He’s got the technique to handle both pace and spin in these conditions,’ Shastri explained.
Middle Order: Comebacks and Firepower
The middle order sees the return of Karun Nair at No. 5, a player hungry to reclaim his spot after a long hiatus. Shastri was effusive in his praise, stating, ‘Nair’s form in first-class cricket is staggering. The runs he’s piled up are impossible to ignore. I told him during an IPL game to kick the door down, and he’s done exactly that.’ Nair’s triple century against England in 2016 remains a testament to his potential, and with over 6,000 first-class runs, his inclusion is a calculated gamble.
At No. 6, Rishabh Pant retains his spot as the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, fresh off his comeback heroics post-injury. Shastri believes Pant’s aggressive style will be crucial in countering England’s attack. ‘Pant at six is a no-brainer. He can turn games on their head, especially in tough conditions,’ he said.
Bowling Conundrum: Kuldeep Snubbed, Pace Dominates
Shastri’s most eyebrow-raising decision is the omission of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, opting instead for Ravindra Jadeja as the sole spinner at No. 7. ‘Jadeja brings balance with his all-round skills. His batting at seven and left-arm spin are invaluable in England,’ Shastri justified. Jadeja’s record of 294 Test wickets and over 2,000 runs makes him a safe bet, but Kuldeep’s exclusion—despite his knack for bamboozling English batsmen—has sparked debate.
For the pace attack, Shastri has named Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as certainties, with the third spot a toss-up between Prasidh Krishna and left-armer Arshdeep Singh, depending on Headingley’s weather. ‘If it’s overcast, Arshdeep’s swing could be lethal. Otherwise, Prasidh’s height and bounce will trouble England,’ Shastri elaborated. Bumrah, with 155 wickets in 36 Tests, will spearhead the attack, while Siraj’s recent form adds bite.
The all-rounder slot sees a tight race between Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy. Shastri leaned slightly toward Reddy for his batting depth, stating, ‘If Nitish can bowl 12-14 overs, his ability with the bat might edge him ahead. But Shardul’s experience is tough to overlook.’
Final Thoughts: A Team for the Future
Shastri’s lineup is a blend of seasoned performers and emerging talents, reflecting his vision for Indian cricket’s next generation. While snubbing Kuldeep Yadav and repositioning Shubman Gill may raise questions, his rationale is rooted in adaptability to England’s seaming conditions and a long-term plan for the WTC cycle.
As the cricketing fraternity awaits the official team announcement, one thing is clear: under Shubman Gill’s leadership, India is gearing up for a blockbuster clash at Headingley. Will Shastri’s blueprint inspire a memorable victory against Ben Stokes’ England? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for a gripping encounter. Share your thoughts on this bold XI in the comments below!