Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma are massive losses...: England star previews Test battle with Shubman Gill-led India

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma are massive losses…: England star previews Test battle with Shubman Gill-led India

The upcoming five-match Test series in England will see a new generation of Indian cricketers take over the mantle, with the appointment of Shubman Gill as the new red-ball skipper. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not part of the Test setup anymore, having announced their retirements from the format recently. Meanwhile, R Ashwin has announced his retirement from all formats. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not part of the Test setup anymore, having announced their retirements from the format recently.(AFP) England’s Brydon Carse, who is set to make his home Test debut, weighed in on the absence of Kohli and Rohit, claiming that the pair would be a huge loss for India, but it would still be a challenge to face the visitors. Speaking to PTI, he said, “Look, obviously, you know, Virat and Sharma are massive losses for their batting line-up. They’ve been experienced players over a number of years and, you know, world-class batters.” “But the depth that Indian cricket have and the quality and players coming through, you know, they will, without a doubt, put up a very strong 11 and we’re ready for whatever challenge that brings.” The Indian batting lineup will also have a fresh look, especially the top-order. Sai Sudharsan is expected to make his debut and is also predicted to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Meanwhile, comeback king Karun Nair is also in contention for a slot in the top-order. Carse said, “Yeah, look, I mean, they’re quality players. Again, you know, depending on what the surface plays like. I think any batter that you’re bowling at, you know, with a new ball or their first 20 balls is susceptible to getting out.” “So, whenever we have an opportunity at any of their top-order batters, we’ll have plans and processes in place, to obviously knock them over as quick as we can,” he added. The opening Test will take place in Leeds and Carse will also be making his first red-ball appearance on English soil, and is also part of the playing XI.

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IND vs ENG: 'We'll have plans to knock them over' - Carse says India still a threat despite Kohli, Rohit retirements | Cricket News

IND vs ENG: ‘We’ll have plans to knock them over’ – Carse says India still a threat despite Kohli, Rohit retirements | Cricket News

Brydon Carse of England during a nets session at Headingley. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) England pacer Brydon Carse believes India will remain a strong threat in the upcoming five-match Test series despite the retirement of two modern greats – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While acknowledging the impact of their absence, Carse stressed that India’s bench strength will ensure the visitors remain highly competitive.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Obviously, Virat and Sharma are massive losses. They’ve been experienced players for years and world-class batters,” Carse said in Leeds on Wednesday, ahead of the first Test beginning June 20 at Headingley. “But the depth Indian cricket has and the quality of players coming through, they’ll still put up a very strong XI. We’re ready for whatever challenge that brings.” Poll Do you think India can compete effectively without Kohli and Sharma? India, now led by Shubman Gill, are in a transitional phase following the retirements of Kohli and Rohit last month. Yet Carse cautioned against underestimating the young side, while revealing England’s bowling plans to exploit their relative inexperience.“Depending on how the pitch behaves, every batter is vulnerable early on. We’ll have our plans and processes to knock them over quickly,” he said. IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant opens up on chemistry with Shubman Gill and England challenge Carse is expected to shoulder extra responsibility in England’s attack, especially with James Anderson retired and Jofra Archer and Mark Wood sidelined. The fast bowler, who missed the Champions Trophy due to injury, is eager to step up – and even take the new ball if asked.“If the new ball’s offered, I’ll gladly take it. It’s an opportunity I’d relish,” he said. “We’re entering a crucial stretch now – five Tests against India, then the Ashes. These are the battles you dream of.”With 27 wickets in five away Tests under his belt, Carse is ready for his first home Test – and to make it count against one of the world’s most talented teams.

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IND vs ENG: England name playing XI for first Test against India; Chris Woakes returns | Cricket News

IND vs ENG: England name playing XI for first Test against India; Chris Woakes returns | Cricket News

England captain Ben Stokes (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) England have announced their playing XI for the opening match of the much-anticipated five-Test series against India, starting Friday, June 20, at Headingley in Leeds. The match also marks the beginning of the rebranded Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, and kicks off the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle for both sides.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!All-rounder Chris Woakes returns to the Test side for the first time since December, bringing much-needed experience to the English lower order and seam attack. Also making headlines is the inclusion of Brydon Carse, who will play his first home Test after five overseas appearances. England XI for 1st Test vs India 1. Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (capt), 7. Jamie Smith (WK), 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Brydon Carse, 10. Josh Tongue, 11. Shoaib Bashir The selection underscores England’s faith in a balanced attack and a young but dynamic middle order. With Jamie Smith behind the stumps and Woakes and Carse included, skipper Ben Stokes has multiple bowling options at his disposal. Nick Knight EXCLUSIVE: On Shubman Gill and absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in England India, meanwhile, have not won a Test series in England since 2007. Their last tour ended in a 2-2 draw after the postponed 2021 series was wrapped up in 2022. With Shubman Gill now leading a side in transition, India’s youthful squad is hoping to break the drought.Whether India can finally overcome the English challenge remains to be seen, but with England’s XI set and packed with firepower, the series opener at Headingley promises fireworks.

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ENG vs IND: No Jacob Bethell, Ollie Pope at No.3 as England name playing XI for 1st Test

There is no place for Jacob Bethell in the playing XI as England announced their lineup for the first Test against India at Headingley on Wednesday, June 18. Ollie Pope has fended off competition from Bethell to claim the No.3 spot for the match which will start from Friday, June 20. Bethell made a strong case to seal the spot during England’s tour of New Zealand last year with three fifties, but Pope’s recent 171 against Zimbabwe in the one-off Test seems to have swayed things in his favour. England’s managing director of cricket, Rob Key had hinted that it will be a call that won’t affect the futures of both players. Apart from this, Chris Woakes will also make his return to the Test team for the first time since December. Brydon Carse, who impressed during the tour of New Zealand, will be playing his first Test on English soil. Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir rounds off the bowling attack for England as captain Ben Stokes will be expected to pitch in with a few overs. “England Men have confirmed their XI for the Rothesay first Test against India at Headingley starting on Friday.” “Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes returns to the side for the first time since December. Durham seamer Brydon Carse will play his first Test on home soil, having featured in his previous five Tests in Pakistan and New Zealand,” read the statement from ECB. England Playing XI for first Test against India Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir. Published On: Jun 18, 2025

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