India and England are set to begin their much-anticipated five-match Test series on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
This match marks the start of a new chapter in Indian Test cricket, as Shubman Gill walks out for the first time as captain following the retirement of legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
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With both teams heading into the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, this series carries added significance.
In the swing-friendly Leeds conditions, seam bowlers are expected to dominate, and both sides have tailored their lineups accordingly.
The Sporting News take a look at the playing XIs for both teams ahead of this match.
India's confirmed playing XI in IND vs ENG 1st Test in Headingley
India have gone with a young team. Yashasvi Jaiswal keeps his spot at the top after impressive past outings and KL Rahul is set to open alongside him in the absence of Rohit. After a brilliant IPL 2025 campaign, Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudharsan earned his maiden Test cap at Headingley.
Karun Nair returned to the Test side, batting at six, thanks to his consistent domestic form and superb performances against England Lions.
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Gill, now leading the side, will bat at four while Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain and will take up the gloves. Seasoned spinner Ravindra Jadeja and seam-bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur have been included in the team, but Kuldeep Yadav misses out.
India’s pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Prasidh Krishna picked as the third pacer for his ability to hit the deck hard.
Confirmed Playing XI (India):
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Karun Nair
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mohammed Siraj
MORE: First look at Headingley pitch revealed for IND vs ENG
England's confirmed playing XI in IND vs ENG 1st Test in Headingley
England have stuck to a familiar core for the first test. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett retain their opening slots, while the number three spot went to the experienced Ollie Pope over rising youngster Jacob Bethell.
Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes form the middle order, with Jamie Smith confirmed as the wicketkeeper for this match.
England’s pace trio includes Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse. Shoaib Bashir has been given the responsibility as the sole spinner in the lineup.
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Confirmed Playing XI (England):
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope / Jacob Bethell
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Josh Tongue
- Sam Cook
- Shoaib Bashir