3 Opening Combinations India Can Try In England Tests

Opening a partnership is a huge factor for any side to do well in Tests, especially in foreign conditions. It will be the same case with the Indian side. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, they will need to find a new opening partnership against the England pacers, including Sam Cook, Gus Atkinson, and others.

During the last red-ball series in Australia, the blue brigade proved how much the batting shoulders on the opening stand. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fine opening stand gave them a stable start during the second innings of the opening Perth Test.

On the other hand, once they didn’t get a good start for the first wicket, the team’s performance changed automatically. Rohit failed in the three games in the middle of the trip, and India ended up with three defeats in the last four fixtures.

Here are the three opening combinations India can try in the England Tests

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul

In Rohit’s absence due to the paternity leave for the opening clash at the Optus Stadium, India decided to open with Yashasvi and Rahul. Both failed to make an impact in the first innings. However, they turned the tables in the second innings.

Jaiswal celebrated a fine knock of 161 runs in 297 balls at a strike rate of 54.20, thanks to 15 boundaries and three sixes. Meanwhile, Rahul smashed 77 runs in 176 balls at a strike rate of 43. The message between the two players was excellent.

Also Read: 3 Indian Players From Sunrisers Hyderabad Who Can Make Their International Debut After IPL 2025

Jaiswal took the aggressive route in dealing with boundaries at the start of his innings. On the other hand, Rahul was attentive to leave the balls outside the off-stump. Both will also offer the right-left combination, making it hard for the new ball bowlers to adjust to the line and lengths.

Rahul, during India’s last Test trip to England, had a masterclass on how to leave balls in England. He will need to display the same technique even in this series.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill

If KL doesn’t go well, then the second-best opening combination for India will be between Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill. The latter did well in his three chances in this country. Being an attacking player, Gill can look to smash the England pacers around the park, which would spoil their line and lengths.

Jaiswal is always going to attack the pacers, and that’s how Ben Stokes may find himself under a bit of pressure in the field placement. In the last few games, the home captain has generally used five slips with several catching options.

Also Read: India-Pakistan in Separate Groups in ICC Events Starting From T20 World Cup 2026

However, once the runs start to leak, it won’t be easy for him to close the gaps at Leeds. Gill is also in tremendous touch during the IPL 2025 for the Gujarat Titans. He has smashed 636 runs in 13 innings, thanks to six half-centuries at the best score of an unbeaten 93 runs.

3. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan

Another option for India is to use Yashasvi and Sai Sudharsan at the top. Both left-handed batters are young and don’t carry any baggage of expectation with them. If they can play with freedom and attack the home pacers to collect the runs, it will also be beneficial for the visitors.

Sudharsan has played for Surrey in the County Championship and will be aware of the various conditions. However, that would be the last combination Gill’s army would look to try at the end of the series if other plans don’t work out.