India’s Predicted Playing XI for England Test Series: WTC 2025-27

England vs India Test Series 2025: As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 concluded recently on an emotional scene with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifting their maiden trophy, the action now shifts to the upcoming red-ball tour of England.

The five-match test series between England and India marks a new beginning of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2025-27. This contest commences on June 20 (Friday) with the first test scheduled to be played at Headingley, Leeds, and wraps up with the fifth test that begins on July 31 (Thursday) at the Kia Oval, London.

Also, the forthcoming clash on English soil marks a new era for the Indian cricket team, as the retirement of the two stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the format will leave a huge void in the batting line-up. At the same time, it is an opportunity for the talented youngsters and seasoned cricketers to prove their mettle at international level.

Shubman Gill’s test captaincy debut poses a new challenge not only in terms of leadership skills, but also to improve his batting record in overseas conditions as well.

As the test series is approaching, let’s take a look at the predicted playing XI combination of Team India that can perform well against England in tough conditions.

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal:

It is confirmed that Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the key opener for the Indian cricket team. The young left-handed batter has been one of the consistent top-order performers in recent times and smashed several records since his debut in the first innings in 2023.

Moreover, he replicated his form from the recently concluded IPL 2025 by scoring a crucial fifty in the first unofficial test against England.

2. KL Rahul:

In Rohit Sharma’s absence, KL Rahul has performed well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. His composed batting style, coupled with Jaiswal’s aggressive approach, can help build solid opening partnerships.

The 33-year-old has shown his flexibility to bat at any position. In the ongoing second unofficial test against England, the right-handed batter slammed a brilliant century, scoring 116 runs from 168 balls (4s: 15, 6s: 1, and strike rate: 69.05). This proves that Rahul might get a long-term opportunity to open the innings for India in test cricket.  

3. Sai Sudharsan:

Sai Sudharsan, who recently won the Orange Cap in IPL 2025 for scoring the most runs in a season, is expected to have a great debut in test cricket. Also, his red-ball record in domestic cricket has been decent, and would aims to establish his name in the longest format as well.

Also, there might be pressure on the youngster to make noteworthy contributions at the top order.

4. Shubman Gill (Captain):

India’s new test captain, Shubman Gill, will now have an additional responsibility not only to fill Kohli’s No.4 spot, but also to take forward his legacy in the longest format. The 25-year-old, who has a decent track record in home test matches, would aim to make use of the England tour to improve his batting performance on foreign pitches. Also, he scored a last 50+ score outside Asia in the Gabba test against Australia back in 2021.

5. Karun Nair:

After a several-year gap, Karun Nair has a higher chance to make a comeback in India’s playing XI. He rose to fame by smashing a triple century against England in December 2016, when he batted at No.5. Despite being the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to achieve this feat, he was sidelined from the test squad.

His recent double century for India A, scoring 204 runs from 281 balls (4s: 26, 6s: 1, Strike Rate: 72.60) in the first unofficial test against the England Lions, almost confirmed his place in the main XI.

6. Rishabh Pant:

Although Rishabh Pant found his form in his last match of IPL 2025 by slamming a destructive ton, he is expected to perform well at the No.6 spot in tests. The new vice captain is known for his dynamic performance in red-ball format, particularly in overseas conditions, and has often saved his team out of trouble.

7. Ravindra Jadeja:

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could be the only spin bowler in the playing XI who can make effective contributions in the lower order as well.

8. Nitish Kumar Reddy:

Seam bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in the playing XI adds a huge depth to the batting and bowling unit. Despite a lackluster form in IPL 2025, the 22-year-old has another opportunity to replicate his form from his previous test series against Australia, where he scored his maiden ton in Melbourne.

As the conditions will be favorable for pacers in England, he can make handy contributions for his team.

9. Jasprit Bumrah:

India’s veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to take charge of leading the pace bowling attack from the front. Also, he was the leading wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. However, he might not play all five test matches due to excessive workload management and would play around two to three games.

10. Mohammed Siraj:

Based on his recent form in IPL 2025, Mohammed Siraj would be the second choice as Team India’s pace bowler and might play a crucial role in the upcoming series.

11. Arshdeep Singh:

Arshdeep Singh, who has been in exceptional form in the 20-over format, might get an opportunity to make his test debut. However, his inclusion in the playing XI as a third pace bowler will be decided based on the team combination, skipper’s choice, and pitch conditions.

Final Opinion: Overall List of India’s Predicted Playing XI in England Tour

Also Read: Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Slammed By Legends After IPL 2025 Exit