It almost feels like the Indian cricket team have been jinxed recently, a visit to a temple is definitely due for the entire team as they can’t seem to have a settled combination for two consecutive matches owing to injuries. There is an incredible stat that Virat Kohli has never fielded the same 11 for two consecutive Tests, almost like a football manager, but that’s also largely due to the multiple injuries the team has had to deal with.
In the last couple of months, India have had to deal with injuries to Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma. These 6 players nearly form a very credible team of their own, but have had to miss out due to various injuries.
Also read: Anil Kumble opens up on India’s injury crisis
It has proven to be a blessing in disguise for the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Parthiv Patel and Karun Nair as they have worked themselves into the squad.
But with harder challenges to come by, Virat Kohli would surely need to fix his strongest playing XI at some point.
We list down India’s strongest playing XI when everyone is match-fit here –
- Murali Vijay
Murali Vijay has put his position in the squad beyond any doubt with commanding performances over the last couple of years. He has proved his ability in testing conditions around the world and has helped to take the sting out of the opposition’s bowling at the beginning of the innings. He has also shown the ability to quickly adapt to batting with a number of different opening partners.
The only criticism of him could be the fact that he doesn’t score enough centuries.
- KL Rahul
Karnataka’s KL Rahul is riding on a wave of momentum ever since his international debut and has catapulted himself into fame with sparkling performances across the various formats of the game. He made his name as a technically-correct Test batsman and he will do well to bring back stability into his game afte a failure in the last Test he played. More recently, we have seen a more devastating, attacking side to his game.
He will have to work on keeping himself fit after a string of injuries.
Openers that miss out – Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir
- Cheteshwar Pujara
Apart from a dip in his form in 2014-15 when he was dropped from the Test squad, Pujara has always looked like someone who is made for the longest format of the game. Following the Duleep Trophy this season, he has rediscovered his midas touch with the bat for India and it is unimaginable to think of an Indian Test side that doesn’t feature him anymore. Has the ability to play long innings.
He has to work on his running, the only aspect of his game that could let him down.
- Virat Kohli
It would be a crime if Virat Kohli was not awarded ICC’s cricketer of the year in 2016 after an astonishing season with the bat across the three formats. India’s captain has proven to be one of the best Test batsmen in the world over the last couple of months after he has raked up century after century. He seems to be enjoying the burden of captaincy as well and has only seen his game grow.
Criticism? Phhbt.
- Ajinkya Rahane
The Maharashtra batsman is going through a sticky spell with his recent struggles against England in the ongoing series. Barring the recent blip, he has been without a doubt India’s best Test batsman displaying incredible consistency every time he steps in to bat. He is an effortless run-getter and can make any team pay. His ability in the slips is a great asset to the team too.
Rahane should not worry too much about his form.
Middle order batsmen that miss out – Rohit Sharma, Karun Nair
- Ravichandran Ashwin
India’s MVP in Test cricket Ravichandran Ashwin has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of months. One certainly hopes that he has a huge trophy cabinet at home as he can’t seem to stop winning trophies as a player and for the team. His batting form is almost as impressive as his bowling form and he is without doubt the best all-rounder in the world right now.
He has cemented his spot ahead of the wicketkeeper in the batting order.
- Wriddhiman Saha
Suffered an untimely injury that saw Parthiv Patel jump ahead of him in the pecking order, but should very soon be back in the playing XI. Has done a commendable job after taking over the gloves from MS Dhoni and has never really displayed any weaknesses. Has shown the ability to deal with the spin and bounce offered by Indian tracks while keeping.
Competition from Parthiv Patel might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for him.
Keeper to miss out – Parthiv Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja almost does a dirty job for team India – he works away tirelessly as he fires away over after over at an accurate line and length, almost giving nothing away and building pressure on the batsmen. It is this pressure that Ashwin and the other bowlers exploit. Recently showed great form with the bat and will do well to carry that form on.
He is one of the best fielders in the world.
- Jayant Yadav
India’s latest startlet Jayant Yadav seems like one player who is destined for greatness. His calm head and demeanour are perfect for Test cricket and it is a testament to him that everyone has noticed his temperament already. He adds depth to the batting order and is a very capable bowler. A couple of good performances can see him edge out Amit Mishra and other contenders for good.
All rounders to miss out – Hardik Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
In Bhuvneshwar Kumar India have one of the best exponents of swing bowling anywhere in the world. On his day, he is virtually unplayable as he has the ability to swing it both ways and is a menace for the batsmen. He is another who picked up an untimely injury but should take his chance when he gets one. With his ability with the bat, India bat all the way down to No. 10.
Should work on his fitness as there is plenty of competition for spots in the Indian bowling attack.
- Mohammed Shami
He has made a storming comeback to the Indian setup after 18 months out with injury and has already shown what India missed in the months he was missing. He has handled the responsibility of being India’s pace spearhead admirably and he is equally effective with the new ball or old. Has provided the audience with a couple of memorable moments in the recent past by breaking the stumps with his incredible bowling.
Bowlers to miss out – Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Amit Mishra
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