SWOT analysis of India squad for India vs England Test series

A significantly transformed Team India is gearing up to kick-start the new WTC Cycle. It is the start of a new era, under a new captain, with the seniors already departed. One could quote all the stats under the umbrella, the playing conditions, and an in-depth squad analysis. However, the India vs England Test series is poised as a peek into the unknown. The team, under the young Shubman Gill, could dash the doubts about their strength with an impressive performance in England. The squad, however, could also prove the naysayers right if it fumbles in its first assignment. Nonetheless, despite the departure of their heroes and the seniors, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, fans and the fraternity are backing the team to kick off another successful era. Among all the things that it could be, the India Tour of England is surely going to be a thrilling spectacle.

A look at the India squad for the India vs England Test series

The departure, rather abrupt, of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli left a gaping void in the Indian Test squad to be filled. The BCCI has, meanwhile, gifted the leading position to the 25-year-old Shubman Gill. Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant will be his deputy, while the squad will additionally count on the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah to bring in the much-needed experience. Moreover, to deal with the spots open in the batting order, the board has called up Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and Abhimanyu Easwaran.

There are going to be swaps in the batting positions, tests for the newcomers, and a trial of this new and seemingly raw squad collectively in the India vs England Test series. The bowling department, though headlined by Jasprit Bumrah, will be left to fend for itself when the pacer departs to manage his workload. The batting lineup will likely face critical assessment in the English conditions, especially in the absence of the heavyweights. Overall, the India Tour of England is a make-or-break for Shubman Gill and Co. How this team performs here will map the future of this group in the next WTC Cycle.

• Strengths

When it is Jasprit Bumrah headlining the pace attack of a team, the pace bowling lineup automatically becomes the most strengthened aspect of the squad. Amid all the new elements that India will deal with in England, the expertise of the pace order will not be one. Bumrah, with 37 wickets in 8 matches, is the highest wicket-taker for India in England among active cricketers. Adding depth to the order is Mohammed Siraj, the underrated workhorse for India who extends the pace attack with his long spells across the Test series.

Moreover, the team will count on Shardul Thakur to continue his rich form, as witnessed in the domestic cycle. Furthermore, Prasidh Krishna has depicted a lethal form. While IPL performance is no bar to predict the Test form of a player, Krishna has maintained an enviable economy in T20I cricket. With an unmatched skill to mount pressure on the batters with his tight line and length, Krishna could just be the perfect man for India in the English conditions.

In the batting department, KL Rahul promises stability. With the departure of Rohit Sharma, it is likely that KL Rahul will be promoted to the opening spot. There is a positive chance for the batter to finally cement a spot to his name in the Indian team. Moreover, Rahul boasts two centuries in England and has accumulated 614 runs in 9 matches at an average of 34.11 in English conditions. In a batting order which contains multiple picks playing their first matches in England, Rahul stands out as the leading man in the India vs England series.

• Weaknesses

It's not an ideal scenario when one has multiple points to write in this section. However, that is the case this time. The biggest weakness in the India squad for this tour is the limited availability of Jasprit Bumrah. The BCCI has confirmed that Bumrah will not play all five Tests in England, in order to avoid any injury concerns for the seamer. With Shami also absent due to a lack of the needed fitness, the Indian bowling lineup could be laid bare against the likes of Joe Root and Ben Duckett on their home turf.

Moreover, the collective inexperience of the India squad could be its undoing. Many players, including the captain himself, will be playing their first Test series in England. Shubman Gill has played a single match in England, the 2022 Test which India lost. The batter managed scores of 17 off 24 and 4 off 3 in the only match he has played in England. Overall as well, Gill's numbers in overseas conditions are not a major boost for the team. Now, when the youngster has the added responsibility of leading India in England, it could take a toll on his already struggling form.

• Opportunities

The India vs England series carries innumerable opportunities for this India squad. Opportunity for Shubman Gill to showcase his abilities worthy of being adjudged India's new captain. Opportunity for Karun Nair to validate his much-longed-for recall in the Indian Test setup. Moreover, an opportunity for the young Sai Sudharsan to make a permanent spot in the team. Similar are the chances for Arshdeep Singh, who has earned his maiden Test call-up. If his ability to swing dazzles the home team, Arshdeep could prove his stature as an all-format weapon for India. The opportunity for this India squad in the series is to announce that it is able to carry the legacy of India forward in the longer format, maybe even promise an improvement.

• Threats

The unstoppable form of Joe Root against a lineup that will not feature Bumrah consistently is a significant threat. Moreover, the inexperience in this lineup could prove to be the element that enables England to fully embrace its 'Bazball' style of play. The batting lineup of this Indian squad lacks depth, with the team seemingly relying considerably heavily on the all-rounders.

India squad for India vs England Test series

Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC) (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav