The likely Indian playing XI for future Tests in SENA nations 

Team India will need to execute a strong comeback in Test cricket, especially in the SENA Nations. With a spot in the final of the 2023 edition of the World Test Championship looking bleak, the management could as well focus on the future. In this article, we take a look at the likely Indian playing XI for future Tests in SENA nations.

There are a number of players who have been out of form. With the next SENA game a long way to go, we could see a number of changes in the Indian XI. The fresh squad will take time to develop but they need to be backed to come good. 

Openers: KL Rahul and Shubman Gill

KL Rahul and Shubman Gill will be the openers in the likely Indian playing XI for future Tests in SENA nations. With Rohit Sharma struggling for fitness, it may not be a surprise if Rohit is not part of Team India in the next SENA game. Of course, for that to happen, a lot of changes, including change in captaincy, need to occur. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are the best bets when it comes to taking up the slot at the top. In the backups, India could groom someone like Prithvi Shaw, who will offer a few quick runs.

Middle-Order: Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant (WK)

Middle-Order is the department where India might struggle. Barring Rishabh Pant, India does not have too many settled options. Virat Kohli is part of the current unit but if his poor run continues, it is unlikely that he will feature in the squad the next time around. The same goes for Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
India has no option but to back the likes of Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan. All of them have come through the Ranji Trophy and may need experience in overseas conditions to excel. Someone like Suryakumar Yadav could also be included in the squad.

All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja will be the all-rounder in the likely Indian playing XI for future Tests in SENA nations. There are not many ready options available to replace him. Hence, he is a part of this XI. India could also explore the option of utilizing Hardik Pandya. That depends mainly on the all-rounder's fitness. In that scenario, India can play three pacers and two all-rounders. The depth of the batting would increase with Jaddu playing at No.8.

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj

Shardul Thakur picks wickets but is very inconsistent at times. It is the same with the bat. Therefore, someone like Prasidh Krishna could be backed to do the job. Other options for this slot include Avesh Khan and maybe, even Umran Malik, as well. The rest of the pace department is likely to be the same as the recent one.