International Test cricket has returned to the spotlight after an extended period dominated by franchise leagues and white-ball assignments. With several leading teams now involved in the longest format, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has picked his current World Test XI, featuring a strong mix of established stars and in-form players.

Pujara’s selection includes five Indian cricketers, the highest representation from any country. Australia have also received significant representation, while South Africa and England feature through their leading Test performers. Interestingly, there is no place for a New Zealand player despite their strong record in recent years.

Speaking in a video for ESPNcricinfo, Pujara explained his selection and how he would structure the XI across different conditions. He opted for South Africa’s Aiden Markram and India’s KL Rahul as his opening pair, followed by Joe Root, Steve Smith and India captain Shubman Gill in the middle order.

Rishabh Pant was chosen as the wicketkeeper at No. 6, with Ravindra Jadeja filling the all-rounder’s role. Pujara then selected Nathan Lyon as the specialist spinner, while Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood formed his pace attack. “My current World Test XI is: I’ll start with Aiden Markram and KL Rahul to open.”

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Pujara also explained that his combination could change depending on where the match is being played. In SENA conditions, particularly England or Australia, he would consider adding another fast-bowling all-rounder to strengthen the pace attack. “If this game is somewhere else in the world, whether it’s England or Australia, then I might add a fast-bowling all-rounder instead of Ravindra Jadeja.”

Will Jadeja be the allrounder in your world Test XI? pic.twitter.com/EfhleTFwHr

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 22, 2026

Markram’s inclusion reflects his growth as a Test opener for South Africa. The left-handed batter played a match-winning role in the 2025 World Test Championship final against Australia, scoring a crucial 136 as South Africa secured their maiden WTC title.

KL Rahul’s versatility was another factor behind his selection. The Indian batter has successfully handled different roles throughout his career, opening in Tests while also adapting to middle-order positions in white-ball cricket. At No. 3 and No. 4, Pujara went with England’s Joe Root and Australia’s Steve Smith. Both remain among the leading run-scorers of the modern Test era, while Shubman Gill’s rapid rise has earned him the No. 5 position.

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Pant and Jadeja provide India with further representation, offering both batting depth and match-winning ability. Pujara also admitted that Ben Stokes would have been included had the England all-rounder not retired from Test cricket. The final three places went to Lyon, Bumrah, Cummins and Hazlewood, giving the XI a formidable bowling attack capable of succeeding across conditions.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s Current World Test XI: Aiden Markram, KL Rahul, Joe Root, Steve Smith, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nathan Lyon, Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood.