Gautam Gambhir accidentally leaks India's Playing XI vs England 1st Test

India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir has accidentally leaked the playing XI for the highly anticipated five-match Test series opener against England, starting on June 20 in Leeds. The Shubman Gill-led Indian squad is currently gearing up for the first Test in England.

In a video shared by an Indian cricket team’s official Instagram handle, Gautam Gambhir was seen giving an inspirational speech to the young team as they are set for the tough challenge of the England tour, where they are without their key icons Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Gautam Gambhir accidentally reveals India’s Playing XI for Headingley Test

The Indian head coach extended a warm reception to those who were handed their maiden Test call-ups for the upcoming five-match series in England as well as hailed the comeback man Karun Nair. Dropping a major hint about India’s playing XI for the Headingley Test, Gambhir welcomed Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh on Thursday, June 12.

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Gautam Gambhir is heard saying in the video, “Guys, we have got the full squad now. So, I want to welcome everyone. First test calls are always special, so I want to welcome Sai, who has had a fabulous three months with the bat, and I’m sure you will have a very, very successful red ball career. I want to welcome Arshdeep, who has been phenomenal in white-ball cricket, and I’m sure with the red ball in hand, you’re going to make it count.”

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Gautam Gambhir welcomes Karun Nair to the Indian team; and congratulates Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant

Speaking about Karun Nair, Gautam Gambhir said, “Lastly, comebacks are never easy. Someone who has made a comeback after seven years had a phenomenal last year with the amount of runs you have scored. And most importantly, the never-die attitude, the never-giving-up attitude, is something that has gotten you back into the team, and that is inspiring for the entire group. Welcome, Karun.”

The former Indian opener also congratulated Shubman Gill on becoming India’s new Test captain, saying it is the biggest honor to lead the country in Tests. The coach also congratulated vice-captain Rishabh Pant on joining the leadership group, wishing both players the best for their debut series.

Gambhir further noted, “I want to congratulate Shubman as well, captain for the first time; there is no bigger honor in the country than to lead your Test team. Rishabh, as well as part of the leadership group, congratulations.”

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KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal all but confirmed as India openers

Well, many have been seeing this as a major hint about India’s playing XI for the tour-opening Test against England. The way Gambhir hailed Sai Sudharsan, Arshdeep Singh, and Karun Nair, it is almost certain that they are in the XI, while Shubman and Rishabh are automatic choices.

Additionally, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are almost locked as India’s openers, while Nitish Kumar Reddy must be the first choice as an all-rounder along with Ravindra Jadeja, given his performance in Australia and his ability to roll arms in the middle. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead India’s pace attack against England in the first Test at Headingley.

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