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India vs England 1st Test: Rahane Names Arshdeep, Sai Sudharsan in Surprise XI Picks

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.

Also Read: India vs England 1st Test Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Debut

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

Also Read: Big Concern for Team India: This Star Batsman is Struggling in Nets Ahead of 1st Test vs England

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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India vs England 2025, Shubman Gill captaincy debut, Ajinkya Rahane predicted XI, Arshdeep Singh debut, Sai Sudharsan Test debut, India Playing XI 1st Test, Headingley Test, Indian cricket transition, Team India News