India Names New Test XI, Gill Shifts No. 4 Ahead England Series

India faces a significant rebuilding phase in Test cricket ahead of their five-match series against England starting June 20, with major changes to the top order following retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Former opener Robin Uthappa proposed a bold XI emphasizing KL Rahul to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, Shubman Gill at No. 4, and Karun Nair at No. 5, while excluding wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in favor of Ravindra Jadeja as the sole spinner. India’s new captain Shubman Gill is expected to move from No. 3 to No. 4, creating a competition for the top three spots among Rahul, Jaiswal, Nair, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran, with several players from the India A team impressing during unofficial Tests against England Lions. Karun Nair, with a history of a triple century against England, is poised for a comeback after eight years, and KL Rahul has shown strong form after requesting inclusion in the India A squad post-IPL exit. The pace attack is anticipated to include Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, combining experience and pace to challenge England’s batting lineup on home soil.