India Playing XI for 1st Test: Virat Kohli declares, ‘We will disclose Playing XI only tomorrow’ – Follow Live Updates: Moving away from the tradition of announcing the Playing XI at least 24 hours before the match, India captain Virat Kohli has kept the Playing XI cards close to his chests and said he will reveal his preferred combinations only on the morning of the 1st Test against Joe Root’s England at Trent Bridge, starting Wednesday.
With Shubamn Gill out of the series, Mayank Agarwal out of 1st Test and Prithvi Shaw set to arrive only before the 3rd Test, Team India have just two options in their squad — Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul. But Virat Kohli kept it as suspense for England.
“We will announce the XI tomorrow before we go for the toss, so you can know who is opening with Rohit. We are absolutely fine and happy with where we are placed,” Virat Kohli said at a virtual press conference on Tuesday.
India Playing XI for 1st Test: While there have been suggestions that Hanuma Vihari or Cheteshwar Pujara could open with Rohit Sharma, as per InsideSport’s sources, KL Will is set to open besides Rohit.
However, bowling combinations is something that will be deliberated depending on the amount of grass on the Trent Bridge pitch which is already sporting a greenish look, favourable for seamers. But if the grass is shaved off on Wednesday morning, it could force Virat Kohli & co to change plans. But pacers or spinners, Virat Kohli is confident that India will be able to bowl out Joe Root & Co consistently in the series.
India Playing XI for 1st Test: “We are definitely much better prepared than we have been in the past. But you can have all the experience in the world but it all boils down to execution, as long as we embrace that, we will find the answers to every question that is being thrown at us,” Virat Kohli said.
“I am confident in our bowlers. no matter who bats, we are capable of bowling England out consistently throughout the series. As far as Broad & Anderson are concerned, we will respond on the pitch and won’t ignore it. We are well prepared to give them an able response,” Virat Kohli declared.
India Playing XI for 1st Test: As per information available with InsideSport, India’s Playing XI for 1st Test at Trent Bridge:
Openers: Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul.
No 3, 4 & 5: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane will retain the places until Suryakumar Yadav arrives from Colombo ahead of 3rd Test.
India Playing XI for 1st Test vs ENG: No 6 & 7: While Rishabh Pant will bat at No 6 if India picks 4 pacers, Ravichandran Ashwin will come at No 7 and if Jadeja plays as 2nd spinner, he will bat at No 7.