Ravi Shastri names India’s top six for opening Test against England, backs Sai Sudharsan at No. 3

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has picked his top-six batting line-up for the opening Test match against England. Shastri backed the opening duo of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The former Indian all-rounder reckons it is going to be a big series for KL Rahul as he is the most experienced Indian batter.

Rahul scored 116 and 51 in the second unofficial Test against England Lions and he would look to carry the same form. Shastri picked in-form Sai Sudharsan to bat at one down after the left-hander impressed one and all with his batting in the IPL.

“It would be (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, and with him will be KL Rahul, because I think this is a big tour for him. He’s the most experienced of the batsmen,” Shastri said in the ICC Review. 

“He (Rahul) opened last time when India toured England, got a hundred, (and) had a good tour. So I would hope for him to open the innings.

“Three, I’ll go with the youngster, Sai Sudharsan. Whatever I’ve seen of him he’s very impressive. This will be good exposure for him, this tour.”

Shastri backed Shubman Gill to bat at number four in the line-up. The former India coach wants vice-captain Rishabh Pant and Karun Nair to bat at number five and six, respectively.

“In all probability, depending on what current form is, it’ll be Karun Nair. He bats at five, it’s a long time since he played for India. Six will be (Rishabh) Pant. 

“I think he (Nair) has worked hard. He’s just worked his way back into the side. The number of runs he’s got in first-class cricket is incredible. 

“And I met him during an IPL game. I said, ‘don’t just bang the door. Just kick it down and make your way in and walk into that side’. And I think he’s done just that. Just the number of runs that he’s got has made the selectors look in that direction and give him a place,” Shastri added.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.