Skipper Virat Kohli will be back in action when the Indian cricket team takes on England in the first Test of the four-match series at the Chepauk from Friday. Both sides will enter the game on the back of series wins – the Indians got the better of Australia Down Under 2-1, while England swept Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka 2-0.
The track in Chennai has always aided the spinners, which might prompt the Indian side to field three spinners. We take a look at the expected playing XI for the Indian side.
Shubman Gill: The young cricketer was in fine form in the Test series against Australia, scoring 259 runs in six innings. He looked at ease in swinging conditions against the likes of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, and he will be eager to continue his run.
Rohit Sharma: The experienced player provided fine starts to India against Australia along with his partner Gill. He has an exceptional record at home in Test cricket and will be expected to raise his game again.
Cheteshwar Pujara: The batsman was the rock of the Indian team in the Australian series, and tired out the bowlers with his ability to bat and bat. He is a good player of spin and will be expected to anchor the innings yet again.
Virat Kohli: The skipper of the team will be raring to go after a paternity break. He did not score a single century in 2020 – the first year since 2009 that he did not get a ton – and will want to break the jinx.
Ajinkya Rahane: The player had scored a fine ton at the MCG in the second Test to spark India’s revival in the Australia series after they had been shot out for 36. He has been a vital player in Test cricket.
Rishabh Pant: The wicketkeeper was the X-factor in the series against Australia, with knocks of 97 and 89* in the last two Tests. He is likely to pip Wriddhiman Saha in the XI despite his frailties with the gloves.
Axar Patel: The left-arm spinner might make his Test debut in Chennai and find a place in the XI over Washington Sundar, who was a hero in Australia. Axar brings variety into the bowling department, which makes him a strong candidate to feature in the side.
Ravichandran Ashwin: The off-spinner did not take the field at The Gabba due to a back injury, but will be raring to go and lead the spin bowling attack on his home ground. He is nearing 400 Test wickets, and love to trouble the English batters.
Kuldeep Yadav: The only player in the Indian squad to not feature in any game in Australia, Kuldeep could be seen in action in Tests after a long gap of two years.
Ishant Sharma: The fast bowler is fit to play and will be the leader of the fast bowling attack. He has been the go-to bowler for the side over the last few years and will be itching to make a strong comeback.
Jasprit Bumrah: The pacer will play his first Test at home against Chennai, and will hope to replicate his overseas form. He has been a revelation in Test cricket ever since he made his debut.
India’s predicted XI vs England: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah