India’s cricket tour of England is just around the corner, kicking off a thrilling five-test series on June 20th at Headingley, Leeds. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has just dropped a bombshell: the squad is in, and there’s a new captain at the helm!
Mark Butcher and Eoin Morgan from Sky Sports weighed in on the squad announcement, sparking debate on India’s chances. Catch their full discussion over on the Sky Sports Cricket YouTube channel.
The Big News: Shubman Gill to Captain India
It’s official: Shubman Gill will be leading the Indian team.
Key Absences: Kohli, Sharma, and Ashwin
Let’s address the big names that are missing. Stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwinwon’t be making the trip. Does this weaken India’s chances? Not necessarily! Despite these absences, India still has a formidable squad packed with talent.
Shubman Gill: A Natural Leader
Why Gill as captain? Eoin Morgan, who played alongside Gill at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, believes it’s a smart move. Morgan noted that Gill is a “natural leader.” He “takes on responsibility within a group,” isn’t afraid to question things, and always puts the team first. Sounds like captain material, right?
India’s Squad: A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent
Okay, so who is in the squad? Here are some of the key players ready to take on England:
- Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Two to Watch: Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna
Keep an eye on these two! Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna are names you might not know yet, but they’re definitely ones to watch.
- Sai Sudharsan: This top-order left-handed batter plays for the Gujarat Titans. He was a joint leading run-scorer in the IPL this year, alongside Shubman Gill. What makes him special? He’s fluent, easy on the eye, and takes risks without even looking like he’s trying hard.
- Prasidh Krishna: A tall, fast bowler who can really bring the heat. He was also a joint leading wicket-taker in the IPL. Morgan, who has played with him, says Krishna’s role in T20 cricket is to bowl in the middle overs, hitting a good line and length. That skill should easily translate to test matches.
Other Notable Selections: Karun Nair’s Return
Remember Karun Nair? He famously scored a triple century against England. He hasn’t been in the spotlight much since then, but he’s back in the squad! He’s been honing his skills with the India A team (the “men in maroon”).
The Opening Conundrum: Who Will Partner Gill?
With Rohit Sharma absent, who will open the batting with Shubman Gill? Will KL Rahul get a chance at the top of the order?
One suggestion is a top three of Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rahul. No matter what, India has a ton of batting options. It’ll be interesting to see where Sai Sudharsan fits into the batting lineup. Maybe he’ll slot in at number three or even lower, depending on the match situation.
England’s Advantage? Home Conditions and Experience
Does England have an edge in this series? They’re playing at home, and India’s relatively inexperienced in English conditions. India hasn’t won a test series in England for a while. Could this be the year they break the streak?
England as Favorites: The Butcher and Morgan Verdict
Mark Butcher and Eoin Morgan are leaning towards England. Without a ball being bowled, they’d make England the favorites. England’s strong home form and the progress of their test team are definitely factors. As Morgan put it, it’s always better to be the favorite!
Final Thoughts: An Absorbing Series Awaits
Even with some key players missing, this Indian squad is overflowing with talent. Get ready for an absolutely absorbing five-test series. Will India’s young guns step up and challenge England on their home turf? It’s going to be an exciting summer of cricket!
What are your predictions for the series? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to check out the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast for more insights and analysis.
