Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s all-time greats in Test cricket, has shared his ideal Indian playing XI to take on England in the upcoming five-match series beginning June 20, 2025.
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With the series set to begin at Headingley, Ashwin believes India needs to be bold in its selections, especially to stop England’s high-risk Bazball approach.
His team features a blend of proven names and fresh faces, but the most striking part is his backing of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. According to Ashwin, Kuldeep must be selected in the playing 11 if India hopes to trouble England.
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Why does Ashwin think Kuldeep Yadav is needed to counter Bazball?
Ashwin stated without any doubt that India cannot go without Kuldeep against England's Bazball. He made it clear that unless the pitch is extremely seam-friendly, the left-arm chinaman bowler should be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Kuldeep, known for his sharp turn and flight, is tough to pick even for top batters. Ashwin believes that if anyone can disrupt England’s rhythm, especially when they try to go after the bowlers, it’s the left-arm wrist spinner.
"I believe we should not go into this series without Kuldeep Yadav unless and until it is an absolute green belt, then you don't need an extra spinner. Otherwise, if they play Bazball, we must definitely go with Kul-ball. It will 100% be effective, I feel."
READ MORE: Ashwin wants BCCI to select next captain following the 'Australian way'
R Ashwin's India playing 11 for England Tests
Here’s the XI Ashwin picked to face England:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Rishabh Pant
- Karun Nair or Nitish Reddy
- Shardul Thakur
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
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What’s different about this Indian cricket team touring England?
A big change is the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom retired from Tests earlier this year. That means India is entering a new phase, depending more on young batters like Jaiswal, Gill, and Sudharsan.
While there’s excitement about this new group, English pitches can be tough, and the pressure will be high, particularly in the absence of two of the most experienced campaigners.