India playing XI cues from the nets: Karun Nair likely to play vs England in Leeds; big call expected on all-rounders

India vs. England: Karun Nair Likely to Feature in Leeds Test; Crucial Decisions Await on All-rounders

Leeds: Ahead of the first Test against England at Headingley Cricket Ground, Team India engaged in an optional net session. Notable absentees from the afternoon session included Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar.

With the toss imminent, focus intensified on India's potential lineup. Unlike the hosts, the visitors have yet to reveal their team composition for the series opener. Captain Shubman Gill remained tight-lipped, stating that they have a couple of options and will decide after assessing the pitch.

Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir briefly examined the pitch before returning to their respective preparations. During the nets, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted extensively, Gill had a prolonged session, Karun Nair practiced on all surfaces, and Ravindra Jadeja dedicated significant time to batting before consulting with coach Gambhir.

It is highly probable that Nair will reclaim his position in the India Playing XI at No. 3. Key decisions are pending regarding the bowling attack and the selection of all-rounders. The top-six are expected to be Jaiswal, Rahul, Nair, Gill, Pant, and Jadeja, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the seam bowling. With eight positions filled, the remaining three spots are subject to deliberation.

The possibility of including both Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy cannot be dismissed, as they would strengthen the batting lineup and offer additional bowling options. Prasidh Krishna emerges as a contender for the third seamer spot, especially since Arshdeep Singh bowled a notably long spell in the nets – an unusual occurrence for a player expected to play the following morning.

The inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav remains a point of discussion. While the temptation to utilize the chinaman bowler is present, particularly in dry conditions, it could compromise the batting depth. Although the left-hander bowled and batted extensively, the decision hinges on whether to sacrifice an all-rounder for a specialist spinner.

It wouldn't be surprising if Kuldeep finds a place in the XI at the expense of a seam-bowling all-rounder. Ultimately, the team's composition will depend on the management's priorities: bolstering batting depth or securing wickets.

Potential India XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj.