Robin Uthappa picks his Indian XI for ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test, does not include Shardul Thakur

Former India player Robin Uthappa has picked his Indian XI for the first Test against England. Shardul Thakur is among the potential contenders who failed to figure in his chosen side.

India and England will square off in a five-match Test series, with the first game starting in Leeds on June 20. Shardul is one of the two seam-bowling all-rounders in India's 18-member squad, with Nitish Kumar Reddy being the other.

During a discussion on the Star Sports show 'Game Plan,' Uthappa chose KL Rahul when asked to pick Yashasvi Jaiswal's opening partner.

"For me, I want to start stronger right at the top, and I would want KL Rahul to open there. With the kind of success he has gotten there, with just the way he batted in Australia, and the way he has batted in the past in England augurs well for India to get him to open the batting," he said.

The former India opener picked Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill to bat at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

"At No. 3, I would love to see someone like Sai Sudharsan because of how technically right he is, and the potential he possesses as what we feel and believe he can do and achieve in Test cricket. No. 4, Shubman Gill for sure," Uthappa observed.

Uthappa completed his top seven by choosing Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

"My No. 5 would be Karun Nair because you want a little bit of experience there. No. 6 - Rishabh Pant, I love him at No. 6. I think that's his sweet spot. At No. 7, I will have Nitish Kumar Reddy because he is a proper fast-bowling all-rounder, your fourth fast-bowling option," he elaborated.

While leaving out Shardul Thakur, Robin Uthappa opined that he can only be a like-for-like replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy, rather than for any of the fast bowlers. He reasoned that the Mumbai all-rounder can also contribute a few runs with the bat.

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"I will have Jadeja" - Robin Uthappa on choosing between Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav

Ravindra Jadeja has represented India in 80 Tests. [P/C: Getty]

In the same discussion, Robin Uthappa chose Ravindra Jadeja over Kuldeep Yadav as the only frontline spinner in his preferred Indian XI.

"I will have Jadeja. Again, increased depth, scores runs, and has scored runs in England as well in Test cricket. So I will have him at No. 8," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator picked Mohammed Siraj as Jasprit Bumrah's new-ball partner in Mohammad Shami's absence, with Prasidh Krishna playing the third specialist seamer's role.

"I see Siraj playing that role. Siraj has to be a lot more disciplined though. One change, you will like to see Prasidh Krishna come in, and Nitish Kumar Reddy again to support the fast bowlers," Uthappa observed.

Robin Uthappa's Indian XI for ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna