With the much-awaited IND vs ENG Test series looming near, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has come forward with his projected playing XI for the first Test match, which will be held from June 20 to 24 at the Yorkshire Cricket Ground, Leeds.
The match will also see India return to Test action after suffering a disappointing 3-1 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25.
Former Cricketer Mohammad Kaif Selects India’s Line-Up for IND vs ENG First Test
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With the much-awaited IND vs ENG Test series looming near, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has come forward with his projected playing XI for the first Test match, which will be held from June 20 to 24 at the Yorkshire Cricket Ground, Leeds.
The match will also see India return to Test action after suffering a disappointing 3-1 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25.
New Era Dawns: Shubman Gill Becomes Captain
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having officially retired before the England series, Team India’s new captain is Shubman Gill. This Test series marks the dawn of a new leadership age in Indian cricket.
Kaif Picks KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as Openers
Mohammad Kaif has supported KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings in England based on their good performances in the Australia series.
“Jaiswal is in top form, and KL Rahul did well in Australia. They’re both experienced and well-equipped, so they should keep opening,” said Kaif in ‘X’.
Kaif recommended Abhimanyu Easwaran as the No. 3 batter and Shubman Gill at No. 4 in place of Kohli.
Prominent Inclusions and Exclusions in IND vs ENG Test XI
Kaif’s XI has selected Karun Nair, who has made it onto the team after a strong domestic season. He also considered Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has scored a hundred in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but says Reddy should only play if he can bowl.
Interestingly, two new entrants recently inducted into the team, Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh, found no place in Kaif’s playing XI.
Mohammad Kaif’s Predicted XI for IND vs ENG 1st Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
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Sai Sudharsan
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Karun Nair
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Ravindra Jadeja
Dhruv Jurel
Washington Sundar
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Akashdeep
Arshdeep Singh
Kuldeep Yadav
IND vs ENG Test Series: All Eyes on Team India’s New Core
The IND vs ENG 2025 Test series will be a turning point for Indian cricket, as there are several young stars and new leadership under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. The new combinations will be tested in the first Test, but it will also give a glimpse of India’s future in red-ball cricket.
IND vs ENG Test Series: All Eyes on Team India’s New Core
The IND vs ENG 2025 Test series will be a turning point for Indian cricket, as there are several young stars and new leadership under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. The new combinations will be tested in the first Test, but it will also give a glimpse of India’s future in red-ball cricket.
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