With Kohli and Rohit retired from Tests, big changes are expected in India’s top order; new captain Gill set to lead in Leeds as WTC 2025-27 cycle kicks off.
June 17, 2025: As Team India prepares to begin its five-match Test series against England on June 20 in Leeds, speculations and predictions continue to swirl around the new-look batting order, especially after the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the format.
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In a major prediction ahead of the series, former England captain Kevin Pietersen shared his version of India’s top order in a video posted by Star Sports on X (formerly Twitter). According to Pietersen, the Indian batting line-up may feature KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, with newly appointed captain Shubman Gill slotting in at No. 3 or 4, depending on team strategy.
“Shubman can decide where he’s comfortable — No. 3 or 4. KL and Yashasvi will open. I’d have Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair to complete the top five,” said Pietersen.
He also noted that in English conditions, India may need to play an extra specialist batter at No. 6 before bringing in Rishabh Pant at No. 7, followed by a likely four-seamer-one-spinner bowling attack.
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🏏 Predicted Top Order (Based on Pietersen’s View):
- KL Rahul (Opener)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opener)
- Shubman Gill (Captain, No. 3 or 4)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Karun Nair
- TBD – Another batter depending on conditions
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
8–11. Likely four seamers and a spinner
🧠 Kuldeep Yadav on Gill’s Captaincy
Meanwhile, spinner Kuldeep Yadav has backed Shubman Gill’s readiness to lead the team in the absence of stalwarts like Rohit and Kohli. Speaking during a media interaction on the sidelines of India’s intra-squad match in Beckenham, Kuldeep said:
“Shubman knows how to lead. He’s been in close discussions with Rohit in the past and has learned a lot. He’s very motivated and has shown great leadership qualities in recent sessions.”
Kuldeep also added that the practice game has been promising:
- The top-order batters from both squads performed well.
- Seamers, particularly Shardul Thakur, bowled effectively in the first innings.
- Senior pacers stepped up in the second innings.
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📌 Why This Series Matters
The England series marks India’s first assignment in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. With a young leadership group, a transitioning batting order, and challenging English conditions, this tour is set to test India’s depth and adaptability.
All eyes will be on Shubman Gill’s leadership, the role of new middle-order entrants, and whether India can rebuild its dominance in red-ball cricket in the absence of two of its greatest Test batters.
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India vs England 1st Test, Shubman Gill captain, KL Rahul opener, Shubman Gill batting position, Kevin Pietersen India XI prediction, Rohit Sharma Test retirement, Virat Kohli retirement, Sai Sudharsan Test debut, Karun Nair comeback, India WTC 2025-27, Kuldeep Yadav on Gill