Not KL Rahul! Ricky Ponting picks the openers of Team India for the Test series against England

Table of Contents

Cricket fans across the globe are gearing up for a riveting Test series between England and India, set to take place on English soil later this year. The much-anticipated red-ball showdown comes with added significance for India, who will be playing their first major overseas series under the leadership of Shubman Gill. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently retiring from Test cricket, the team is entering a new phase—one that is full of promise but also loaded with pressure.

All eyes are now on Gill as he prepares to lead a revamped Indian squad into one of the toughest cricketing environments. The five-Test series is expected to be a stern test for India’s emerging stars and their captain.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on India’s probable playing XI for the England Tests and delivered a surprising call—opting not to include KL Rahul as an opener. Speaking on the ICC Review show, Ponting backed youngsters Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the batting.

“I think (Sai) Sudarshan and (Yashasvi) Jaiswal will open the batting (in England) as Sudarshan just looks like a class player to me and technically I think he could do well at Test level,” Ponting said.

Also READ: Ricky Ponting explains why Shubman Gill should bat at No.4 for India in the Test series against England

While Rahul has been a regular opener for India in the past, Ponting believes the stylish right-hander would be more effective in the No.3 position this time around. According to the legendary Australian, Rahul’s experience could help stabilize the middle order.

“They’ll have two pretty young opening batters, so they might look to go for someone that’s got a bit more experience at No.3,” the Tasmanian added.

“Not having to be opening or batting at No.3 as a young captain might make it easier. Their top five will probably be Sudarshan, Jaiswal, KL, Gill and Karun Nair for the start of the England series,” Ponting explained.

With a fresh captain in Gill and the infusion of new names like Sudharsan and Karun Nair, Team India is entering a transitional phase. However, the talent within the squad suggests the team is ready to take on the challenge head-on. The series against England, known for its pace-friendly pitches and swing-heavy conditions, will be a litmus test for the new generation of Indian Test cricketers.

The upcoming battle promises a compelling mix of tradition, transition, and tactical intrigue—something no cricket fan would want to miss.

Also READ: Team India’s complete schedule till IPL 2026: England tour, Asia Cup, T20 World Cup and much more