Vinod Kambli reveals his Team India's ideal XI for the first Test against England in Chennai

As India is all set to play the first Test against England in Chennai starting on Friday, everyone has been trying to guess what India’s XI might look like. Team India went in their last Test against Australia with a lesser experienced side and managed to get a famous and historic win for the side. As the series against England started coming closer, every cricket expert started giving their opinions. 

Now, former Indian cricketer, Vinod Kambli has shared his ideal XI for the first Test. He uploaded his choice for the XI players on Twitter. He went with almost the general opinion but his bowling unit had some players who were there unexpectedly. The former Indian batsman selected Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to open as expected followed by Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane. 

Kambli went with Rishabh Pant ahead of Wriddhiman Saha. The Indian captain Virat Kohli also confirmed that the team will go for Pant in the first Test. In the past, his wicket-keeping skills on turning tracks have been doubted but after his heroic knocks in Australia, it is safe to assume that he has fixed his spot in the side. 

Vinod Kambli picks Mohammad Siraj ahead of Ishant Sharma

After this, Kambli left an option between Washington Sundar and Hardik Pandya. Sundar made his debut in the Gabba Test and played two crucial innings with the bat. He also picked up four wickets. When it comes to Pandya, it is not sure whether he is still ready to bowl, which will make him a top pick for Kohli. 

The former Mumbai batsman further chose Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav as his two confirmed spinners. He didn’t give a chance to Axar Patel, who has been brought in as the like-for-like replacement of Jadeja. The most surprising selection call was that of not having Ishant Sharma in the team. Kambli went with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. 

Siraj made his debut in the Australia series and ended up being the highest wicket-taker for India in the series. He also picked a brilliant five-for in the second innings of the Gabba Test. 

Vinod Kambli’s playing XI for the 1st Test: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya/Washington Sundar, Ravi Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav

My ideal playing XI for the 1st Test

Rohit Sharma
Shubman Gill
Cheteshwar Pujara
Virat Kohli
Ajinkya Rahane
Rishabh Pant
Hardik Pandya/ Washington Sundar
Ravi Ashwin
Mohammed Siraj
Jasprit Bumrah
Kuldeep Yadav#INDvENG

— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349) February 4, 2021