By Chirag - Jun 19, 2025 04:16 PM
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The highly anticipated England vs India Test series kicks off on Friday, June 20, at Headingley, Leeds, marking the start of a five-match red-ball battle that’s part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. With new leadership at the helm—Ben Stokes for England and Shubman Gill for India—the series brings a fresh era of Test cricket for both nations.
With senior Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from the format, it’s time for the next generation to step up. Meanwhile, England will look to finally make a mark in the WTC cycle after missing out on finals in all previous editions. As fantasy cricket players prepare for the 1st Test, choosing the right batters in platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle will be key.
Here are the top 3 batters to consider for your fantasy teams ahead of the first IND vs ENG Test:
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Arguably England's most dependable Test batter in modern times, Joe Root continues to be the cornerstone of their batting lineup. With a phenomenal Test record of 13,006 runs in 153 matches at an average of 50.80, Root has time and again delivered in pressure situations.
What makes Root a top fantasy pick is his consistent performance against India. In 30 Tests against the subcontinental giants, he has scored a staggering 2,846 runs at 58.08, which includes 10 centuries. He also thrives in home conditions, boasting over 6,700 runs in England at a commanding average of 54.77.
Fantasy Tip: Root is a must-pick in both small and grand leagues. His ability to bat long and convert starts into big scores makes him an ideal captain or vice-captain option.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 1st test match preview, Know all the information related to the match
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With the absence of seasoned batters like Kohli and Rohit, KL Rahul emerges as a pivotal figure in India’s batting setup. A seasoned Test cricketer with 3,257 runs in 58 matches, Rahul is known for his adaptability and ability to anchor the innings under challenging conditions.
Ahead of the Test series, Rahul made a strong statement in the unofficial game against England Lions, scoring a brilliant 116 in the first innings and a fluent 51 in the second. His match awareness and calm approach at the crease make him a strong fantasy prospect.
Fantasy Tip: Rahul is a smart pick for the middle-order slot in fantasy teams. He also contributes occasionally with the gloves, adding additional value.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal, the exciting young opener, will have a big role to play at the top of the order. After a stellar debut Test series in Australia, where he topped India’s run-scoring charts with 391 runs, Jaiswal is expected to carry that form into the English summer.
The left-hander recently featured in the India A squad against the England Lions and registered a half-century, indicating that he’s in decent touch heading into the series. His aggressive yet composed style gives him the edge in building solid starts for the visitors.
Fantasy Tip: As an opener, Jaiswal will get ample opportunity to bat. He’s a good value-for-money pick and can be a game-changer in Grand League teams.
As England and India square off in the opening match of this critical five-Test series, Joe Root, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the standout batters to consider for your Dream11 and My11Circle fantasy teams. With form, experience, and temperament on their side, these players are well-positioned to make a big impact in the opening Test at Headingley.
Also Read: How Many Times India Won Test Matches against England?
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