In the lead for the fourth test in Manchester, the cricket team of the Indian men’s breaks from the preparation visited the Manchester United iconic training facilities. The visit not only pleased the players, but also caused a playful debate between former crickets and scientists who imagined what the team India XI could look like. Michael Vaughan, Ravi Shastri, Phil Tufnell, Alastair Cook and David Lloyd have met to build a 4-4-4 football line-up and assign a position based on personality, physical attributes and perceived style of playing to each Indian player.
Pant loses gloves, Bumrah nods
Rishabh Pant, known for his sharp reflexes behind the stumps, was considered for the goal of the goalkeeper, but eventually was expelled. “Rishabh is too small. You need long arms,” Vaughan said, preference instead of Jasprit Bumhrah among posts.
The hinge found a place in the left stern. “Rishabh left. It’s a bit like Luke Shaw. Inflated,” Vaughan added, drawing a comparison with the full back of Manchester United.
Jadeja, Jaiswal and Gill slot to the center of the field and attack
Phil Tufnell compared Ravindra Jadeja to the united legend Ryan Giggs and called him a natural adaptation on the left wing. Yashasvi Jaiswal was pushed like No. 10. “Jaiswal may be a bit unpleasant, but guaranteed like Messi,” Vaughan said.
SHUBMAN GILL was selected as one of the attackers. Lloyd described him as a mixture between a brisk striker and a robust half. “Like Matthijs de Ligt – Wiry, but solid,” he said.
Gautam Gambhir was placed on the right side, with Lloyd theatically imitated free cats David Beckham before settling on Gambhir as a right midfielder. “For those curlers,” he said with a laugh.
Nitish reddy and Siraj Bolster defense
Despite the fact that Nitish Kumar Reddy was expelled from the series due to injury, he was named on the right. “He’s strong, disciplined and fast,” Shastri said. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were chosen as a center back.
Kl Rahul was named as a midfielder. “Like Michael Carrick – he sees everything soon, technical and tactic,” Vaughan said. Karun Nair took another central slot of the middle field.
Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel, surprising inclusion in the left center of the field, laughing from Lloyd. “He’s the worst footballer I’ve ever seen,” he said. “One track and he choke in front of the goal.” Morkel, however, has a great test record against England – 79 goals in 19 games.
Shastri added that Spinner Kuldeep Yadav can be the most football member of the team. “I don’t know who he supports, but it’s a football buff,” he said.
Football Indian Cricket XI as selected by the panel:
Keeper: Jasprit Bumhrah
Defenders: Nitish Kumar Reddy (RB), Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna (CBS), Rishabh Pant (LB)
Midfielders: KL RAHUL (CDM), Ravindra Jadeja (LCM), Karun Nair (RCM), Yashsvi Jaiswal (Cam)
Attackers: SHUBMAN GILL AND GAUTAM GAMBHIR
– ends
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
23 July 2025
Tune
