As anticipation builds for India’s upcoming Test series against England, former head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his insights on what India’s ideal playing XI should look like for the series opener. Speaking on a cricket talk show, Shastri, who coached India through several memorable overseas victories, emphasized the importance of strategic selection, youth integration, and workload management to ensure India start strong in English conditions.
One of the standout names Shastri advocated for was young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan. Known for his elegant stroke play and composure beyond his years, Sudharsan has caught the eye in recent domestic and franchise cricket, including his impressive performances in county cricket for Surrey earlier this year. Shastri believes the youngster’s recent form and adaptability to English conditions make him an exciting option for the top order. According to him, players like Sudharsan bring the kind of flexibility and confidence that can prove valuable against a relentless English attack.
Shastri also spoke about the possibility of reintroducing Shreyas Iyer into the Test fold. Although Iyer had a rough patch with injuries and inconsistent form, his ability to handle pressure situations and anchor the middle order is still highly regarded. Shastri stated that if Iyer shows readiness and sharpness in the nets and warm-up games, he could be a valuable asset in countering England’s swing bowlers, especially at grounds like Headingley and Trent Bridge where the ball tends to move around.
On the bowling front, Shastri made a strong case for rotating the fast bowlers throughout the five-Test series. Jasprit Bumrah, who has returned to the squad after an extended injury layoff, is still India’s spearhead, but Shastri warned against overburdening him. He suggested that Bumrah should ideally be rested for one of the five matches to avoid any injury setbacks, recommending a “two Tests on, one Test off” model to keep him fresh for the decisive phases of the series.
Shastri backed a pace trio of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami as the ideal combination to attack England’s batting line-up. He praised Siraj’s mental strength and recent resurgence after being left out of limited-overs squads earlier this year, while also reaffirming Shami’s role as a dependable workhorse who can exploit the conditions to India’s advantage.
Interestingly, Shastri highlighted the absence of a left-arm seamer in India’s Test setup as a gap that should be addressed. He pointed out that bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, if proven consistent in red-ball cricket, should be given serious consideration. A left-arm option, he explained, brings much-needed variation, particularly in overseas conditions where angles and swing can disrupt batting rhythm.
Overall, Shastri’s approach leaned heavily on blending experience with youth, and adapting dynamically to English conditions. He stressed that selectors and team management must not hesitate to make bold choices and reward players who have shown temperament and technique in challenging formats. As India prepare for the first Test, scheduled to begin on June 20, his views have added a new dimension to the growing debate over what the best XI might look like.
Shastri’s thoughts reflect a mindset of long-term planning and tactical flexibility, emphasizing that India route to success in England will rely not just on skill, but also on smart squad management and timely decisions. With a long, grueling series ahead, these early selection calls could shape India’s fortunes significantly.
For more news updates, follow 12B Sports India Facebook .