As the highly anticipated Test series between India and England in 2024 draws near, speculation is rife regarding India’s best playing XI for the first two Tests. India’s rich pool of talent makes selecting the perfect combination a delightful dilemma for the selectors. Let’s dive into an analysis of India’s potential best playing XI considering the players’ current form and potential growth over the coming year.

1.Rohit Sharma (Captain) – The ‘Hitman’ Sharma would likely continue to lead the side with his exemplary opening batting skills. His ability to build an innings and accelerate when necessary is invaluable.

2.Shubman Gill – Complementing Sharma at the top order, Gill’s technical prowess and composure could make him an ideal partner, particularly in English conditions where the new ball poses a significant threat.

3.Cheteshwar Pujara – Pujara has proven himself to be a wall at number three, with his ability to anchor the innings and face a substantial number of balls, which is crucial in Test cricket.

4.Virat Kohli – One of the modern greats of cricket, Kohli’s presence bolsters the middle order. His aggressive batting style and experience would be essential, especially against England’s seam attack.

5.Shreyas Iyer – A technically sound batsman with a flair for playing spin and pace alike, Iyer could provide stability as well as counter-attacking options in this lineup.

6.Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper) – Pant’s aggressive batting can change the course of a match within a session, and his improving wicketkeeping skills make him an automatic selection in this lineup.

7.Ravindra Jadeja – An all-rounder par excellence, Jadeja’s left-arm spin and handy lower-order batting, along with his electric fielding, render him indispensable for the team balance.

8.Ravichandran Ashwin – As one of the best spinners in world cricket presently, Ashwin brings experience, consistency, and can also contribute valuable runs down the order.

9.Jasprit Bumrah – India’s spearhead in all formats, Bumrah’s accuracy and ability to produce wicket-taking deliveries make him a critical inclusion in any Indian Test side.

10.Mohammed Shami – Shami’s seam position and ability to swing both ways complement Bumrah perfectly and adds depth to India’s fast bowling attack.

11.Mohammed Siraj/Prasidh Krishna (depending on form and fitness) – This spot could be up for grabs between Siraj with his raw pace and swing or Krishna for his bounce and relentless accuracy.

This dream team offers a blend of experience, aggression, consistency, and youth making it an exciting prospect against a robust England squad on home soil. As we edge closer to the series, it’ll be intriguing to see how this predicted lineup compares with the actual squad selected to don India’s prestigious Test cap.