The Indian cricket team has become a powerhouse in world cricket because of the numerous options they have to pick an Indian playing XI. Whether it is Test, ODI, or T20I, the squad also has enough options to field a couple of Indian playing XI at the same time. Recently, Team India handed debut caps to Krunal Pandya and Prasidh Krishna in the first ODI against England.
Both debutants impressed in their first ODI match, and it will be a selection headache for the selectors heading into the future matches. Krunal Pandya has given one more all-round option to the side, while Krishna has emerged as a wicket-taking pacer. While Krunal and Krishna were playing the first ODI against England, there were many Indian talents watching the match from their homes or from the bench.
Here’s a look at a strong Indian playing XI featuring all those talents who missed out on a spot in the match squad for the first one-dayer versus England.
Openers – Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal
Opening the innings for this Indian playing XI will be the duo of Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal. Gill has made a name for himself with his top-quality performances in IPL and international cricket. He was a match-winner for the Indian team during the Australian tour.
Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal has one of the best batting averages in home matches. Unfortunately, he lost his place in the Test team recently. However, he will definitely be the firs choice for any backup options.
Middle Order – Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant (wk)
The middle-order of this Indian playing XI comprises Mumbai Indians star Suryakumar Yadav. The right-handed batsman was quite impressive in the T20I series against England. It did not seem like he was playing his debut series.
Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant will bat at number four and five for this team. Samson is one of the most aggressive batsmen in India right now, and Rishabh Pant bats in a similar way. Both can keep the wickets as well. Besides, Samson has done some phenomenal fielding in the outfield also.
All-rounders – Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar
Ravindra Jadeja could have played the first ODI between India and England. Unfortunately, he had been recovering from his injury that he suffered in Australia. Because of his injury issue, Jadeja will now directly play in IPL 2021.
Washington Sundar will be the lead off-spinner of this team. Sundar is India’s highest-ranked bowler in T20i cricket. Also, he has done a top-class job with the bat in Test matches of late.
Bowlers – Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, and T Natarajan
Mohammed Shami is another player who missed the England series because of an injury that he picked up Down Under. Shami consistently picks up wickets for the team. Jasprit Bumrah and T Natarajan will be the team’s other two pacers. Both Bumrah and Natarajan can walk into any playing XI of this world because of their death bowling skills.
Yuzvendra Chahal warmed the bench in the first ODI as Kuldeep Yadav got a chance to prove himself. Chahal was the best bowler for RCB in IPL 2020. On top of that, he performed brilliantly as a concussion substitute for India in the first T20I against Australia. Thus, the leg-spinner completes this Indian playing XI.
An Indian Playing XI featuring players who missed out on 1st ODI vs. England team
Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, and T Natarajan.
