Robin Uthappa selected Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as the openers in his playing XI. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the Indian Cricket Team is gearing up to face England in a five-match Test series. The opening Test is scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Shubman Gill and his squad have arrived in England and started their preparations for the series.
Before the first Test, former cricketer and commentator Robin Uthappa shared his preferred Indian playing XI for the Headingley match during a discussion on Star Sports’ ‘Game Plan.’ Uthappa believes KL Rahul should open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. With Rohit Sharma having retired from Test cricket, the team requires a strong opener in the red-ball format.
In Robin Uthappa lineup, Sai Sudharsan is placed at No. 3, while captain Shubman Gill is assigned the vital No. 4 position. Virat Kohli, who retired from Tests last month, used to bat at number four. It’s worth noting that until now, Gill has only batted as an opener or at No. 3 in Tests.
Robin Uthappa Reveals His Indian Playing XI for the Headingley Test
Robin Uthappa has named his ideal Indian playing XI for the upcoming Headingley Test, featuring some interesting selections. Notably, he has included Karun Nair in the middle order, marking the batsman’s return to the Test side after 2017. Nair impressed recently by scoring a double century for India A in the unofficial Test series against the England Lions.
In the pace bowling department, Uthappa hopes Prasidh Krishna will support the experienced duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy earns a spot in Uthappa’s XI after a strong batting performance in India’s last Test series against Australia, where he notched a century in Melbourne.
Robin Uthappa’s India Playing XI for the 1st Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
KL Rahul, meanwhile, has been in excellent form. In the recent second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions, he scored a century and a half-century opening the innings. During India’s last England tour in 2021, Rahul was one of the team’s standout performers in a series that ended in a draw.