Wasim Jaffer picks India’s probable XI for the first Test against England in Chennai

Wasim Jaffer, the former Indian cricketer, has picked India’s probable XI for their opening Test against England, starting February 5 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India haven’t played a Test match at home since their campaign against Bangladesh back in 2019 after which the COVID-19 pandemic started dictating terms with its might all around the world.

To start with, Jaffer picked Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the opening batters. Gill impressed in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, playing at an average over 50 with a top score of 91. Rohit, on the other hand, looked in great touch but had to face criticism for throwing his wicket away. Cheteshwar Pujara remains the bedrock of India’s middle-order.

Wasim Jaffer leaves out Mayank Agarwal

The game also marks the return of Virat Kohli, who hasn’t donned the national jersey since India’s defeat at the Adelaide Oval after being restricted for 36 in their second innings. Ajinkya Rahane returns to the eleven as the vice-captain after leading Team India to the 2-1 series in Australia. Jaffer’s choice for the keeper’s role was Rishabh Pant and not Wriddhiman Saha.

Pant was India’s top run-getter in the Australia Tests even as Saha only played in the Adelaide Test. Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel were confirmed selections as the spinners. Jaffer picked Axar bearing in mind England’s weakness against the left-arm spinner. Jaffer also feels that if the pitch helps the spinner then Kuldeep Yadav should get a chance. If not, then Shardul Thakur should be picked.

Jaffer was also in a bit of a conundrum between Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj. The latter picked 13 wickets in three Tests and was India’s standout bowler in the series. Sharma didn’t go to Australia after he was ruled out because of an injury that he developed while playing in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Jaffer also picked Jasprit Bumrah, who didn’t play the Brisbane Test.

Here’s the XI: –

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteswar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav/Shardul Thakur, Ishant Sharma/Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Here’s the tweet: –

India's Playing XI for 1st Test(imo):
1 Rohit
2 Gill
3 Pujara
4 Kohli
5 Rahane
6 Pant
7 Axar*
8 Ashwin
9 Kuldeep/Thakur
10 Ishant/Siraj
11 Bumrah
Question is about 2 spots depending on combination + pitch.

What's your XI?

*Eng have huge weakness vs left arm spin. #INDvENG

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 31, 2021