No improvement for IND vs Eng 1st test? Pure session signal on new top 6

India cricket team’s net session at Kent on Wednesday could have possibly offered a clue as to what could be the top six for the side in the 1st Test against England in Leeds. Led by captain Shubman Gill, the team took part in a net session that comprised of all the members of the main squad, including those who were previously a part of the India A series. The pattern observed in the nets very well indicates that India might have figured out their batting line-up and it could mean that Sai Sudharsan might be left out.

India’s top six figured out?

As per RevSportz, KL Rahul was seen facing fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in a net during the training session in Kent on Wednesday. While Jaiswal is a designated Test opener for India, Rahul had occupied the position during Rohit Sharma’s absence in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the India A tour, he scored a century and a fifty to cement his spot at the top of the order. Following Rohit’s retirement and Sudharsan’s inclusion in the squad, there are speculations of if the latter could be the new opener. However, the latest net sessions seems to dispel any such possibilities.

The second net saw Karun Nair and India Test captain Shubman Gill squaring off against the bowlers. Nair returns to the Test side after a gap of nearly 8 years. His consistent performances in domestic cricket along with his experience of playing in County Championships allowed him to secure a position in the main squad for the England series. In the practice session on Wednesday, he was seen batting alongside captain Gill.

The third set of batters saw Risbah Pant and Dhruv Jurel batting together in the nets. While the former has been named the vice-captain of the Test side, the latter has been very consistent, having scored three half-centuries in 4 innings in the India A tour.

The pattern of India’s net session ahead of the 1st Test against England could might as well serve as an indicator as to what the team’s top six could be.

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. KL Rahul
3. Shubman Gill
4. Karun Nair
5. Rishabh Pant
6. Dhruv Jurel

Make no mistake, Sai Sudarsan has earned a very well-deserved call-up to the Indian Test squad. It is backed by consistent performances in domestic and County cricket. However, it looks like India have zeroed in on their line-up, at least for the 1st Test. However, these are mere speculations. It remains to be seen who will be picked in India’s playing XI.