KKN Gurugram Desk | As the much-anticipated India vs England five-match Test series kicks off today in Leeds, cricket fans are buzzing not only about the on-field battle but also about a major off-field debate: the best combined Test XI of India and England in the 21st century.

In a special feature aired on Sky Sports, former England captains and renowned commentators Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton unveiled their picks for the India-England Joint All-Time Test XI of the 21st Century. Their lineup, while stacked with legends, sparked debate for one glaring omission — neither Virat Kohli nor Joe Root made the cut.

Let’s dive into their selections, the logic behind the choices, and what it means for the current cricketing landscape.

The Occasion: India vs England Test Series 2025 Launches as “Tendulkar-Anderson Series”

Before we explore the team selection, it’s important to note that this year’s five-Test series between India and England has been renamed the “Tendulkar-Anderson Series” — in honor of Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and England’s pace spearhead James Anderson. The series begins today, June 20, at Headingley, Leeds.

Ahead of the historic series, Hussain and Atherton sat down to pick what they believe is the greatest combined Test XI of the 21st century, based on performance, impact, and balance.

Openers: Virender Sehwag and Alastair Cook

The opening pair was one of the few positions that didn’t generate controversy. Hussain explained:

“I like Rohit Sharma, but in his prime, Virender Sehwag was a force of nature. Pair him with Alastair Cook and you have the perfect blend — the ‘dasher and the blocker,’ the right-left combo.”

Sehwag’s aggressive stroke play and Cook’s resilience created an ideal Test opening partnership, according to both pundits.

Middle Order: No Room for Kohli or Root

The most controversial part of the lineup lies in the middle order:

• No. 3 – Rahul Dravid: Known as “The Wall,” Dravid’s legendary consistency and technique made him the top pick for the pivotal No. 3 slot.

• No. 4 – Sachin Tendulkar: This choice was non-negotiable. Both analysts agreed that Tendulkar, with his weight of records and legacy, was an automatic inclusion.

• No. 5 – Kevin Pietersen: The flamboyant Englishman edged out both Virat Kohli and Joe Root for this position due to his match-winning performances in difficult situations.

This decision naturally led to the exclusion of two modern giants — Kohli and Root. Hussain commented:

“We had to make a choice — Dravid at No. 3, Tendulkar at No. 4, and Pietersen at No. 5. That left no room for Kohli or Root, even though both are phenomenal players. We’ve already left out legends like Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.”

All-Rounder and Captain: Ben Stokes

At No. 6, both Hussain and Atherton chose Ben Stokes, praising his all-round capabilities and leadership. His influence in Test matches — with both bat and ball — earned him the captain’s armband as well.

“India has no true all-rounder from this period who can match Stokes in impact. Plus, his leadership during pressure situations gives him the edge,” Atherton explained.

Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant

In a nod to modern aggressive cricket, Rishabh Pant was picked as the wicketkeeper-batsman. Despite competition from names like MS Dhoni and Matt Prior, Pant’s fearless approach and ability to change games earned him the spot.

“Pant brings that X-factor — he can turn a Test match in a session,” Hussain remarked.

Spin Department: R Ashwin Over Kumble and Harbhajan

For the lone spinner role, Ravichandran Ashwin was picked ahead of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. The panelists explained their choice by highlighting Ashwin’s longevity, all-round skills, and match-winning records in both home and overseas conditions.

“Kumble retired in 2008, and Ashwin has played a key role in India’s recent Test successes,” Hussain noted.

Pace Attack: Bumrah, Anderson, Broad

Jasprit Bumrah:

Modern India’s pace spearhead, Bumrah’s inclusion was based on his deadly accuracy, match-winning spells, and adaptability across continents. Although Zaheer Khan was considered, only five Indian players could be included, making Bumrah the preferred pick.

James Anderson:

With over 700 Test wickets, Anderson is not just a legend in English cricket but also the most successful pace bowler in Test history.

Stuart Broad:

Broad’s record, especially against big names like David Warner and his numerous five-wicket hauls, made him a natural partner alongside Anderson.

Final XI: India-England Combined Test XI of the 21st Century

1. Virender Sehwag (India)

2. Alastair Cook (England)

3. Rahul Dravid (India)

4. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

5. Kevin Pietersen (England)

6. Ben Stokes (England, Captain)

7. Rishabh Pant (India, Wicketkeeper)

8. Ravichandran Ashwin (India)

9. Stuart Broad (England)

10. Jasprit Bumrah (India)

11. James Anderson (England)

What Makes This XI So Controversial?

The exclusion of Virat Kohli and Joe Root, both modern-day greats with stellar records, has stirred debate. Kohli’s average of over 50 in Test cricket, multiple away series wins as captain, and Root’s phenomenal run-making in recent years make their omission a bold call.

Yet, the panel’s logic rests on balance, impact, and performances across conditions — making this a functional and historically grounded XI rather than a popularity contest.

As the Tendulkar-Anderson Test Series 2025 begins, this combined XI offers not only nostalgia but also a glimpse into the legends who defined Test cricket in the 21st century. Whether you agree with all the choices or not, this lineup is a testament to the depth of talent across India and England in the longest format of the game.

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