Ajinkya Rahane’s predicted playing XI stirs debate ahead of Leeds Test; Arshdeep Singh and debutant Sai Sudharsan feature in his line-up
June 20, 2025 | As India prepare to kick off their five-match Test series against England at Headingley in Leeds, former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has revealed his predicted XI — and it includes a couple of surprises. Rahane, speaking via his YouTube channel, backed Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan to make the cut for the opening Test.
Rahane’s XI notably excludes experienced names like Karun Nair and Prasidh Krishna, instead favouring Dhruv Jurel in the middle-order and Shardul Thakur as an all-rounder following his solid performance in the intra-squad warm-up.
🧢 Rahane’s Predicted India XI for 1st Test
- Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul
- No. 3: Sai Sudharsan (debut)
- Middle-order: Shubman Gill (captain), Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (wk)
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur
- Pacers: Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
Rahane’s pick of Arshdeep Singh, who has limited red-ball experience, suggests confidence in his left-arm swing to exploit English conditions. Sai Sudharsan’s selection is equally bold, considering the high-pressure environment of a debut Test against England.
Also Read: England-India 1st Test- Weather Update: Overcast Skies, Rain Threat
🎙️ Shubman Gill Emphasizes 20-Wicket Strategy
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Shubman Gill underlined the team’s focus on taking 20 wickets as the key to winning Tests.
“You can’t win a Test match without taking 20 wickets, no matter how many runs you score,” Gill said.
“We’re considering a mix of six pure batters, a bowling all-rounder, and three-four fast bowlers.”
With the pitch expected to behave differently from typical English summers, Gill hinted at a balanced team composition depending on real-time conditions.
🏏 India’s Transition Phase
This Test also marks Shubman Gill’s captaincy debut in red-ball cricket, following the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The Indian side enters a new era with a youthful squad eager to make a mark.
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