Indian Test cricket stands at a crossroads. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having stepped away from the longest format, the Indian team is staring at a significant transitional phase. Their absence ahead of the five-match Test series against England leaves a massive void—both in leadership and batting strength. Fans, still adjusting to the reality, are now looking forward to the next generation of Indian batters to carry the mantle forward.

Wasim Jaffer names the opening combination after Rohit Sharma’s retirement

As the discussion around India’s new-look top-order heats up, former opener Wasim Jaffer has put forward his preferred lineup for the England tour. Drawing on recent performances and long-term potential, Jaffer believes KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal should continue to open. The duo showed promising synergy during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Jaffer sees no reason to tinker with a combination that’s worked.

“KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have done well as openers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I feel KL should continue to open. Why change something that is not broken?” Jaffer told Times of India.

In a bold move, Jaffer backed Tamil Nadu’s Sai Sudharsan to slot in at No. 3—a spot traditionally reserved for India’s most technically sound batters. Despite not yet debuting in Tests, Sudharsan’s temperament and technique have caught the eye.

“Sai Sudharsan looks assured, and he should be given a longer rope at No. 3,” added Jaffer.

Also READ: Top 3 knocks played by Rohit Sharma on England soil

Jaffer picks Virat Kohli’s successor at No. 4

When it comes to filling the boots of Kohli at No. 4, Jaffer has placed his faith in Shubman Gill. Though primarily an opener in white-ball cricket, Gill has the technique and temperament to adapt in the middle order, especially in the red-ball format.

“I guess Shubman could be the guy (to bat at No. 4). He opens in white-ball cricket, but in Test cricket, he needs to move down to 4,” Jaffer suggested.

As India prepares to enter the post-Rohit-Kohli chapter in Test cricket, Wasim Jaffer’s top-order picks offer a glimpse into what the future might hold. With the official squad announcement still pending, fans and analysts are keenly watching how the selectors respond to this generational shift. One thing is certain—the tour of England will test both India’s batting depth and resilience like never before.
Also READ: Celebrating Virat Kohli’s five most iconic Test innings on England soil