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"Why Change..." Wasim Jaffer Unveils Bold Team India XI For The 1st Test Vs England

Poulomi Chakraborty

Wasim Jaffer's Playing XI For The First Test Against England (Source: @AhmedGT_/x.com)Wasim Jaffer's Playing XI For The First Test Against England (Source: @AhmedGT_/x.com)

The red ball thrills are gearing up as Team India is set to take on England in a five-match Test series. Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, they will start a new era in the longest format.

With the heat already building ahead of the series, Wasim Jaffer has revealed his preferred playing XI for Team India. His number 3 choice is turning heads.

Jaffer Unveils His Opening Choice

After a horrible Test series defeat against Australia earlier this year, Team India is coming back in the longest format under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. With the first Test kicking off on June 20, the squad is hustling hard. Adding to the buzz, former India batter Wasim Jaffer has unveiled his ideal playing XI for the first Test.

With Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul in the team, Jaffer didn’t conduct any experiment, as he named both players for the opening position. The pair gave a strong start in the first Test against Australia, and despite the testing English conditions, Jaffer continues to back the duo, as reported by the Times of India and quoted by Sportskeeda.

“KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have done well as openers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I feel KL should continue to open. Why change something that is not broken?” Jaffer said.

Who Will Be Taking Charge In The Middle Order?

After Virat Kohli’s exit from the longest format, Team India’s middle order has a big place to be filled in. After delivering consistent performance in the domestic stage and shattering the IPL stage with some explosive knocks, Sai Sudharsan secured a place in the squad, and Jaffer backed him for the number 3 position.

“Sai Sudharsan looks assured, and he should be given a longer rope at No. 3,” Jaffer added.

The veteran Indian has backed Shubman Gill for the number 4 position. Adding more strength to the squad, he brought back Karun Nair and named Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batter. Pant’s return could be a game-changer for India’s middle order.

Who Are The Other Stars In Jaffer’s Playing XI?

For the upcoming series, Shardul Thakur received a call-up after a long time. Jaffer picked him for the crucial number 8 position. Shardul’s all-around ability will be an advantage for the side. Ravindra Jadeja also secured a place in Jaffer’s playing XI. Adding pace strength to Team India’s squad, he named Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.

Wasim Jaffer’s Playing XI For The First Test: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan/ Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur/ Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.