West Indies vs India: 5 West Indian cricketers who could trouble India

The West Indies squad for the first Test Match against India was announced and was followed by a lot of clamour and controversy around the selection. It all started with Denesh Ramdin venting out his frustration on Twitter, and then the sudden retirement of fast bowler Jerome Taylor.

Miguel Cummins, who is an exciting fast bowler has been roped in as Taylor's replacement. Captain Jason Holder has also gone on record saying that this series will be a stern test for the hosts. The announced squad looks promising on paper, but how will they fare against a more confident Indian team, under newly appointed coach Anil Kumble remains to be seen.

Here, in this list we look at 5 players from the West Indies side who can pose a significant threat to the much fancied Indian side.

#1 Darren Bravo

The elegant left-hander was earmarked to achieve great feats in cricket, but for some reason, he has not lived up to his potential. He has modelled his batting stance and playing technique after Brian Lara, and there is few doubt about his talent, the temperament displayed on many occasions leaves a lot to be desired.

However, the southpaw has been in good form recently, after having had a rather fruitful ODI tri-series against South Africa and Australia. Also, he has been consistent in the ongoing CPL. Thus, he is a certain threat to India.

He has an average of 41.50 in Test Matches, which is a fair indication of his ability. This average increases to 44.31 against India which includes 2 fifties and 2 centuries. Thus, the Indian bowling attack will have to guard against Bravo, who will bat at the crucial number 3 position.

#2 Marlon Samuels

The enigmatic Samuels has always sparked debates across cricketing circles. When he is on a song, there is little a bowling side can do, but then his callousness has on many occasions led to his downfall.

However, the Jamaican has been in sterling form recently, and his ability to win matches was on full display in the recently concluded tri-series. However, a Test average of 33.53 in 64 matches does not justify his potential, and now in an inexperienced squad, the veteran will have to put up his hand and start delivering.

He has managed 5 half centuries and only a solitary century against India, but considering his recent form in white ball cricket, and his experience, he is certainly a threat.

#3 Kraigg Brathwaite

Kraigg, unlike Carlos, is a stoic batsman, who loves to work for his run, and looks to guts it out in the centre. This is a misnomer amongst the rest of the batting line-up. However, the stodgy batsman has become one of the most reliable players at the top of the order for West Indies.

He scored a century against Australia during their last tour and displayed tremendous technique and potential. When the rest of the batting around him is flashy, Brathwaite is like a monk who can bat for long periods of time.

With 4 centuries and 8 half-centuries Brathwaite has become one of West Indies' premier batsman in the longer version of the game and is capable of seeing off the new ball.

#4 Jermaine Blackwood

This Jamaica batsman is an aggressive one but is capable of spending extended time on this crease. The middle-order batsman has been one of the most prolific batsmen for his side over the past 1and a half years. His average of 42.47 in 20 innings is a testament to his ability and talent.

He has a very compact defence, but can unleash a wide array of strokes if the need may be. He has to now work on his shot selection. He has displayed admirable tenacity while facing the likes of Tim Southee and Trent Boult and then against Rangana Herath in Sri Lanka.

He has the talent to churn out big hundreds in the future, thus he might be a big hurdle for the Indian bowlers in the upcoming series.

#5 Shannon Gabriel

The fast bowler from Trinidad is an exciting young prospect who has been around for some time now on the International circuit.

He certainly was in his groove during the recently concluded tri-series, and his speeds were regularly in the mid 140s. However, he has to now find more consistency in his line and lengths to be a more potent force, more so in the longer version.

34 wickets in 16 matches is not a reflection of this ability, and many feel that he might just be at the peak of his prowess. With his pace and bounce, he can be a troublesome entity for the Indian batsmen.