India are all set to take on England in a five-match Test Series, which marks the beginning of their campaign in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025. The first Test of the series is set to take place in Headingley, Leeds. With no Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the side, and Shubman Gill being the new captain, all eyes will be on what the playing XI will be for the first Test. Sai Sudharsan has earned his maiden Test call-up, but it looks like he would not be making his debut in Leeds.

According to a report by The Indian Express, India wants to field two all-rounders in their playing XI. Ravindra Jadeja is almost a certainty. They would then play one of Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar. In that case, they would have to sacrifice a frontline batter. The report states that Sai Sudharsan is likely not to be selected in the playing XI.

Karun Nair last played for India in a Test match against England in 2017 in Mohali, and has now been selected in the India squad after 8 years thanks to his brilliant run in domestic cricket. The Indian Express report states that he is a certainty to be featured in the playing XI. In fact, he is one of the regular faces in India's new slip cordon, as evident from the practice sessions.

The pitch at Headingley will start as a green top, but India expect it to get drier as the days go by in the Test match. Hence, they are looking for a second spinner in the playing XI alongside Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav is likely to get the nod in this role. India will likely play with three frontline pacers in the playing XI.

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