Should Rahul and Jaiswal Open for India in England?

New Delhi, May 24 (NationPress) Former national selector Sarandeep Singh has expressed his support for KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as India's opening duo for the anticipated five-match tour of England, highlighting that this pair provides essential stability at the top of the batting lineup.

Rahul and Jaiswal demonstrated their potential as an opening partnership during the Test tour of Australia, notably achieving a remarkable 201-run stand in the series opener at Perth Stadium last year. With Rahul being the sole opener in the current Test squad to have scored centuries in England, his experience will be crucial for India to secure a strong start and assist Jaiswal in adapting to demanding conditions.

“I firmly believe in KL Rahul as an opener. Pairing him with Jaiswal infuses valuable experience in tough circumstances like England. Easwaran is still relatively new—facing pressure from the opposition will be challenging for him,” Sarandeep stated during the Follow The Blues - Selectors Meet episode on JioHotstar.

Another former selector, Saba Karim, suggested that Easwaran, who has been part of the India ‘A’ squad and served as a reserve opener, should be paired with Jaiswal to open the batting. “Before finalizing the squad, selectors should consider two critical factors: avoiding bias from recent performances and adhering to the established hierarchy of players who have consistently represented India A or participated in the Test setup,” he advised.

“Abhimanyu Easwaran meets these criteria. He possesses a strong domestic record and has excelled in SENA countries. I would choose Easwaran and Jaiswal as the opening combination—one right-hander and one left-hander, both equipped with strong techniques suited for English conditions.”

Kiran More, a former chief selector, supports maintaining a balanced left-right opening combination during England's tour. “This tour should create opportunities for players like Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. You’ll require three or four openers,” he mentioned.

“Yashasvi Jaiswal has already demonstrated his capabilities. With Shubman Gill available, a robust left-right combination is achievable. Sai Sudharsan can also bat at No. 3. He is wise, composed, and not flashy. Given the challenging nature of the series, these players should be given a chance to develop. From this group, you’ll discover your long-term openers.”

More also suggests that Rahul should bat at number four, a position once held by the recently retired Virat Kohli. “KL Rahul is well-suited for No. 4. An opening pair could consist of Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Easwaran can serve as a backup opener or bat at No. 3. Sai Sudharsan offers flexibility—he can bat anywhere in the order,” he elaborated.

“Don’t overlook Karun Nair. With over 7,800 runs in domestic cricket and a triple century in Tests, having solid backup throughout the lineup is essential. Rahul at No. 4 can stabilize the innings, especially after losing two quick wickets or when facing the second new ball,” he emphasized.

More further believes that Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy should be included as all-rounders while mentioning that Mohammed Shami should be considered if he can manage the workload of playing a couple of Tests in England.

“We already have all-rounders like Jadeja. I would also incorporate Washington Sundar—he has played Test cricket and performed admirably. He brings value with the bat and can balance the side. With many left-handers in the mix, pace-bowling all-rounders will also be crucial. Nitish Reddy could be a strong candidate in this area,” he concluded.

“For pace options, I would suggest Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, who played county cricket last year. If Shami is fit, he should be included—even for two or three Tests.”

“Experience is critical in England due to the significant differences in bowling lengths. Harshit Rana may bowl effectively in Australia, but England demands a different approach. It’s essential to build the team with these factors in mind,” he concluded.