IND vs ENG: 'Virat Kohli yes, but not Rohit Sharma' - Ex-England skipper picks combined post-2000 Test XI

Time of India

6 hours ago

NEW DELHI: As the cricketing world braces for the highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England starting June 20 at Headingley, a fresh debate has emerged around the best combined India-England Test XI of the post-2000 era.
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Former England captain Nasser Hussain recently shared his picks, sparking discussion by omitting Indian skipper Rohit Sharma from his lineup.
While naming modern greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root as 'non-negotiables' in his combined XI, Hussain opted for a more aggressive opening pair with England's Alastair Cook and India's Virender Sehwag.
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"Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root are non-negotiable... Listen, I like Rohit Sharma, but I think Virender Sehwag in Test match
in those 25 years and also Alastair Cook, oh, what a beautiful combination it would be!' he remarked during a segment with fellow former cricketer Michael Atherton.
Nasser and Athers pick their COMBINED post-2000 England and India Test XI 👀
Hussain also offered a blunt assessment of India's chances in the upcoming series, predicting a 3-1 victory in favour of England.
In his Mail Sport column, he emphasised the importance of home advantage and the absence of key Indian batters like Kohli and Rohit, penning: 'India will miss the runs and experience of those two. England's home form and bowling attack should prove decisive.'
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Echoing similar confidence, ex-off-spinner Graeme Swann called the series a perfect build-up to the Ashes, backing England to win 4-1. 'We need to beat India at home after being outplayed in their conditions.
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With Kohli and Rohit not in the mix, this is our chance.'
IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant opens up on chemistry with Shubman Gill and England challenge
India's squad will be led by Shubman Gill, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, while England fields a strong side under Ben Stokes. With Test cricket's oldest rivalry reigniting, all eyes will be on Headingley as both teams look to make an early statement.
India Squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
England Squad:
Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
IND vs ENG Test Series Schedule:
1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds
2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord's, London
4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London