Choosing the right playing XI is the most crucial decision any cricket team can make, and India is no exception in its quest for the next ICC World Test Championship cycle. The team has ample talent and experience within its ranks, but it's not easy to balance the older hands with fresh faces. Each position matters in the upcoming WTC matches. Let's have a closer look at the players who may find their place in India's playing XI for this thrilling journey. Yashasvi Jaiswal Image Source: Getty Images Yashasvi Jaiswal is surely going to be the first-choice opener for team India for the next cycle of the WTC. He has almost cemented his place in the Indian Test side, and he is expected to be the next big thing in Indian cricket as an opener in all forms of the game, but particularly in Test format. In his very small career he has done great things; one of the major examples was that century in Perth. In his small Test career he has scored 1600 runs at an average of 53.33 alongside four centuries. KL Rahul Image Source: Associated Press KL Rahul is more likely to be the second opener for India in the next WTC cycle because of what he has done in Australia. As an opener, KL has an impressive record, and he has everything to be the first-choice opener for Team India. As an opener he has scored 2547 runs with seven centuries. Also Read | Top 10 Smartest Captains in Cricket History Shubman Gill Image Source: Getty Images Shubman Gill has been the best batter in India for the last few years, and he has scored crucial runs, even though he is very young in his career. He is also expected to be one of the best batters of the upcoming generation. So far he has shown great promise in his short career, as he has performed at some crucial times for the team. He is almost packed at number three for India. Virat Kohli Image Source: Associated Press Now many of you will be surprised to see Virat Kohli’s name in the list, but still he has everything to perform at the highest level, and his fitness will also allow him to play for a few more years. Even though he is not in his prime anymore, still there is no one who can replace Virat Kohli at number four in the Test team, so he is more likely to be in the playing 11. Sai Sudarshan Image Source: Getty Images Sai Sudarshan is another player who is more likely to be in the playing eleven for the next cycle of the World Test Championship. This young left-hander has everything to be a Test cricketer; he can play the similar role that Pujara used to do for India. He has a solid defensive game and shorts under his belt. He is a very able batter who is more likely to be in the playing 11 of the Indian team soon. In his first-class career, he has scored 1948 runs at an average of 41.44, and he has also scored 7 centuries. Rishabh Pant Image Source: Getty Images There is no question about Rishabh Pant's place in the Indian Test team, as he has been the best Test batter for India for the last few years. He has done great things so far in his career; he has proved his name in Test cricket against the biggest oppositions. He has been the biggest match winner for Team India in the Test format since his entrance in the format. Nitish Kumar Reddy Image Source: Getty Images This young allrounder has shown great promise in his short career. He made his debut in Australia, and he displayed brilliant potential with the bat and with the ball as well. He is more likely to be groomed as a pace bowling all-rounder in the upcoming years in Test cricket for India. Axar Patel Image Source: BCCI He has been the unluckiest man because even after performing so well on the limited opportunities he gets, he is always overlooked by the team management because there were two greats of the game in the playing eleven, Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Now Ashwin has retired, so he is more likely to be the first-choice spinner for India in the next WTC cycle. Also Read | Top 5 IPL Controversies Involving MS Dhoni Washington Sundar Image Source: BCCI Another player who has been overlooked by the team just because of the seniors in the playing eleven, but now after their retirement he is also more likely to be featured as a bowling allrounder for India in the Test format. In his short Test career he has shown great potential to serve India in Test cricket. Jasprit Bumrah Image Source: Getty Images Jasprit Bumrah is surely the first-choice pacer for India; in fact, he is more likely to be the skipper of the team after the exit of Rohit Sharma from the Test format. As a bowler he is the best in the world, but as a skipper he has shown great potential; we saw that in the Perth Test match where he led India to a historical victory. Mohammed Shami Image Source: Getty Images He is another automatic choice in the playing eleven for the next WTC cycle. Alongside Bumrah, he is always going to be the first choice bowler for India. So far in his career, he has played a very important role for Team India. He has contributed very well to many famous victories of India. So he is more likely to feature in the playing eleven. Conclusion As India prepares for the next WTC cycle, their playing XI will be a key to success. They have a good mix of experienced players and promising young talent, which makes the team look prepared to face the challenges ahead. Every player brings something special to the table, and their combined efforts will play a big role in India's journey to the top. Fans will be keenly watching and supporting the team as they try to bring home the WTC trophy. The excitement and hope for the future are stronger than ever!