Former national selector Sarandeep Singh has endorsed KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as India's opening pair for the upcoming five-match tour of England, emphasizing their stability at the top of the batting order. Their successful opening partnership during the Test tour of Australia, highlighted by a 201-run stand in the series opener at Perth Stadium, serves as a testament to their compatibility. Singh believes Rahul's experience, particularly his history of scoring centuries in England, will be crucial in providing India with a strong start and guiding Jaiswal through challenging conditions.

Singh stated, "I'd back KL Rahul to open. Pairing him with Jaiswal gives you experience in challenging conditions like England. Easwaran is still new—there'll be pressure on him, and the opposition will sense that. KL Rahul brings balance. He knows how to survive tricky sessions and shift momentum when needed. If Easwaran plays, he could be slotted at No. 3. But if you're looking for stability at the top, KL Rahul and Jaiswal should open."

In contrast, Saba Karim, another former selector, advocates for Abhimanyu Easwaran to open with Jaiswal. Karim highlighted Easwaran's consistent performance for India 'A' and his role as a reserve opener in the Test team. He emphasized the importance of respecting the pecking order and not being swayed by recent performances. Karim noted, "Before the selectors decide on the squad, they must keep two things in mind: don't get carried away by recent performances and respect the pecking order—players who have consistently played for India A or have been part of the Test setup. Abhimanyu Easwaran fits that bill. He has a solid domestic record and has done well in SENA countries. I'd go with Easwaran and Jaiswal as the opening pair—one right-hander and one left-hander, with strong technique for English conditions."

Kiran More, former chief selector, supports a balanced left-right opening combination and suggests utilizing the England tour to provide opportunities for players like Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. More said, "The England tour should be used to create opportunities for players like Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. You'll need three or four openers. Yashasvi Jaiswal has already proven himself. With Shubman Gill around, you can have a solid left-right combination. Sai Sudharsan can also bat at No. 3. He's smart, composed, and not flashy. The series won't be easy, so give these players a chance to grow. Out of them, you'll find your long-term openers."

More also proposes KL Rahul for the number four position, previously held by Virat Kohli. He also suggests considering Karun Nair, highlighting his extensive domestic cricket record and Test triple hundred. More emphasized the need for solid backup across the order. According to More, "KL Rahul is ideal for No. 4. You could open with Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Eswaran can be your backup opener or bat at No. 3. Sai Sudharsan gives you flexibility—he can bat anywhere, top or middle. Don't forget Karun Nair. He's scored over 7,800 runs in domestic cricket and has a triple hundred in Tests. You need solid backup across the order, where KL Rahul at No. 4 can anchor the innings, especially after two quick wickets or against the second new ball."

Regarding all-rounders, More recommends Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. He also suggests including Mohammed Shami if he can handle the workload. For pace bowlers, More's picks include Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh.

More concluded, "You already have all-rounders like Jadeja. I'd also include Washington Sundar—he's played Test cricket and done well. He's useful with the bat and can balance the side. With many left-handers around, pace-bowling all-rounders will also be important. Nitish Reddy could be a good option in that space. My pace picks would include Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh—he played county cricket last year. Shami, if fit, must be considered—even for two or three Tests. Experience matters a lot in England because the bowling lengths are very different. Harshit Rana might bowl a good length in Australia, but England demands something else. You need to build the team keeping all this in mind."