As India prepares to face England in a highly anticipated five-Test series starting June 20th at Headingley, Leeds, all eyes are on the composition of the playing XI. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and other cricket experts have weighed in on the ideal team combination, sparking discussions and debates among fans and analysts alike. One of the most talked-about possibilities is the inclusion of Shardul Thakur and a potential shift in Shubman Gill's batting position.

Shardul Thakur's recent performance in the intra-squad match has made a strong case for his inclusion. He slammed an unbeaten 122, showcasing his batting prowess against a formidable bowling attack. Thakur's ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset to the team, providing depth and flexibility. He has a knack for taking wickets and is considered a 'golden arm' by many. Thakur's inclusion could provide the much-needed balance to the team. He last played a Test for India in December 2023 against South Africa. In his 11 Test appearances, he has scored 331 runs and taken 31 wickets.

The role of Shubman Gill has also been a subject of discussion. Gill led the squad in the intra-squad match. There is speculation about a potential change in his batting position to accommodate the team's needs. Ravi Shastri has suggested that Gill should be flexible with his position. The young batter has shown promise and adaptability, making him a key player in the Indian batting lineup.

Aakash Chopra has cautioned India against prioritizing batting depth over bowling strength. He emphasized the importance of having at least three specialist fast bowlers in the playing XI. Chopra suggested that Shubman Gill should learn from past mistakes and ensure a well-rounded team composition. He proposed including Karun Nair as a specialist batter at No. 6, moving Jadeja to No. 7 and opting for a four-pronged pace attack — excluding Shardul if necessary.

Ravi Shastri has proposed a playing XI with four pacers, including Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. Shastri suggested that if Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to bowl a significant number of overs, he might get the nod over Shardul Thakur due to his batting abilities. He also mentioned that Arshdeep Singh could be considered if the conditions in Leeds are overcast and cloudy. Shastri also suggested changes in Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill's batting positions.

The selection of the playing XI is a complex decision, taking into account various factors such as player form, team balance, and the conditions. The inclusion of Shardul Thakur and the potential change in Shubman Gill's position are just some of the possibilities being considered. Ultimately, the team management will aim to field the best possible XI that can deliver a strong performance against England.