Wasim Jaffer Backs Shubman Gill to Bat at No. 4 in First Test vs England. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has revealed his preferred Indian playing XI for the upcoming first Test against England. The five-match Test series is set to kick off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, and will wrap up with the final Test at the Kia Oval in London on July 31.
The Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, has been preparing rigorously ahead of the opener. Before arriving in Leeds, the squad participated in a three-day intra-squad match against India A. Several players also featured in the unofficial Test series against the England Lions.
Wasim Jaffer believes that Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul should open the innings. The pair, who previously succeeded together in Australia, are expected to provide a solid start.
At No. 3, Wasim Jaffer admitted uncertainty between Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran — both in fine form and awaiting a potential debut. Easwaran impressed in the unofficial Tests, while Sudharsan emerged as the top run-scorer in IPL 2025.
Wasim Jaffer backed skipper Shubman Gill to occupy the No. 4 spot, followed by vice-captain Rishabh Pant at No. 5. According to him, the team’s batting fortunes in the series will heavily depend on this duo.
Karun Nair, returning to the national side after eight years, finds a place at No. 6 in Jaffer’s XI. Ravindra Jadeja is slotted in as the designated all-rounder. For the bowling combination, Jaffer left one spot flexible — choosing between Shardul Thakur or Kuldeep Yadav depending on pitch conditions. The pace attack, in his XI, features Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.
Wasim Jaffer Picks His Indian XI for the First Test Against England
Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has revealed his preferred playing XI for the opening Test against England. Here’s the team he suggests:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan / Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur / Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
My India XI for First Test:
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 18, 2025
1. Jaiswal
2. KL
3. Easwaran/Sai
4. Gill
5. Pant
6. Nair
7. Jadeja
8. Shardul/Kuldeep
9. Prasiddh
10. Bumrah
11. Siraj
What's yours? #ENGvIND