India's probable best playing XI against England

We are a week away from one of the most awaited encounters as India tour England to play a five-match test series that commences on August 4.

Both teams have ample firepower as team India head into another test after a disturbing loss against New Zealand in the World Test Championship Final.

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Having said that, today, Cricwizz presents to you their best playing XI from the Indian team. Let's begin!

KL Rahul

KL Rahul was in tremendous form in the recent warm-up game for India A and is ahead of the pecking order as far as our preference is concerned. 

However, the first Test may see Mayank Agarwal get picked ahead of him as he is more used to opening the innings. As far as numbers are concerned, KL Rahul's record is great and what's most remembered about him is his innings of 199, where he missed a 200 by a run.

What do you think? Who would you choose? Mayank Agarwal or KL Rahul? Teammates in IPL, fighting for the same spot! What are the chances that both might get to play? Well, we'll find it soon.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has shunned all the talks about him not being an ideal test batsman. His recent form speaks for himself, and his performance in the World Test Championship wasn't bad either. 

Even though the Indians failed to claim the Test Mace, Rohit Sharma looked good in both the innings but failed to convert his knocks, getting out in silly ways both times.

Rohit Sharma will have a lot of responsibility in this series and his position may be under the scanner as Shikhar Dhawan is fit as well. Rohit Sharma's record against England isn't bad either and he will be tested against some great English bowlers. 

Will he pass the test? Or will he fall again in facing the swinging deliveries? 

Cheteshwar Pujara 

Cheteshwar Pujara will be under the scanner as he has had a string of poor performances recently. You would hear a lot of people already calling for a replacement for him, but they need to know that India doesn't have a batsman like Pujara in their squad. 

Pujara may be slow but his defensive technique is perhaps the best in this Indian side. If you ever have a doubt about him, just remember his performance in this very year against Australia.

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A match where a lot of time and a lot of overs were remaining. Australia were confident about doubling their lead but Pujara stood strong and didn't let Australia ruin India's chances in the series.

Not just that, his record against the English is very good as well and this series may be the perfect opportunity for him to bounce back and prove why he is still India's most solid batsman.

Virat Kohli 

It is safe to say that King Kohli hasn't been himself in the past couple of years and the skipper will have to stand up and put up some numbers.

The shouts about Kohli needing to focus more on his batting than his captaincy have been in the air for a while now, and Kohli, despite his remarkable record as India's test leader, will have to remind everyone why he still remains one of the best batsmen in the world.

A test series in England would be the ideal opportunity for him to get back his form and a win in this series would seal the argument about Kohli being India's best Test captain ever.

It will be intriguing to see how the mentality master turns up when it matters the most.

Ajinkya Rahane 

Ajinkya Rahane took India's load after Virat Kohli departed after the first test in Australia, scoring a brilliant ton in the second test, and leading India to an iconic series win in Australia.

However, it's time for him to produce numbers with his bat as India now have some players emerging that are capable enough or possess the potential to replace him.

Suryakumar Yadav has been called to England and Rahane's position in the team could be under threat.

Rahane being India's senior player in the test side has great experience and his 17 games against England show that he is well capable of getting back to his best.

Will Rahane beat the odds and come on top? Or is it time for the youngsters to take over?

Rishabh Pant 

Rishabh Pant shouldn't be under pressure of losing his place but this series will be another test for him as he may again be under some pressure-filled scenarios.

India in England has never been easy and we can expect pretty much the same this time too. Rishabh Pant's explosive approach is what makes him unique. However, the wicket-keeper will have to work more on his technique, trying to stay more on the crease.

Will Pant improve his game? Or will we see two sixes and a wicket? Only time will tell.

Ravindra Jadeja 

Jadeja's recent form has been exceptional and this series could be more about his batting than his bowling. 

The margin is pretty tight in both departments and if Jadeja turns up in both departments then India would have an edge surely.

Jadeja's record against England is a clear indication that he is reliable and he has always produced great performances in England, with the bat and bowl both.

Will it be the same this time around? Or will the English be well prepared to deal with India's Sir Jadeja?

Ravichandran Ashwin 

Ravichandran Ashwin will have slightly more responsibility as his test records in the bowling department are as good as any other bowler playing currently.

A consistent bowler who can bat as well, Ashwin was also integral in India's historic series win in Australia. And yes, he not only silenced Tim Paine with his lips, but his bowling had the same venom too.

This time in England won't be easy, but we can say Ashwin would be ready, wouldn't he?

Mohammed Shami 

After a rough patch in his personal and professional life, Mohammed Shami came out flying and hasn't looked back since then.

Shami will be an integral part of India's Bowling attack and will have major responsibility to dismantle the home batting.

Can Shami do it? Yes. Will he do it? Well, you'll have to wait to find out!

Ishant Sharma 

India's most experienced bowler in the squad, Ishant Sharma's career has seen a lot of ups and downs. 

However, the fact that he is still a part of the India test squad means he is still delivering and hasn't given up on himself. That's the mentality of a champion and India will need that in this series very often.

Ishant is known to be a bowler who can impact a lot via his bowling and his experience and India wouldn't want more than him bowling his beautiful swinging deliveries. Let's see if Ishant can add another test series win in his bag of achievements.

Jasprit Bumrah 

Jasprit Bumrah's form recently has been way below par, and this would be a huge worry for the Indian side.

However, it isn't hidden that Bumrah has often come out stronger from the rough patches he's had in his career. Bumrah is definitely one of India's best bowlers in all the formats and that has not come after one or two series but after years of perseverance.

Bumrah's record against England is great, looking at the fact that he's played them only in five test matches.

Another Indian who has been struggling with form but everyone knows that he could turn it around against big opponents. This will be interesting to see. A week more and all our questions would be answered.

What is your best playing XI for India? Let us know via our social media accounts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more updates. We bet you won't be disappointed.

Stay tuned for more.