5 players who should be picked in India's Test squad for the remainder of England series

Deepak Hooda

While the best average in this year’s Ranji Trophy amongst all players with at least 200 runs certainly does help boost Deepak Hooda’s numbers, but a career first-class average of nearly 60 speaks for just how consistent the 21-year-old has been in the longest format of the game.

The 21-year-old may have made his name as a big-hitter who could also turn his arm over in the IPL, but his career first-class numbers of over 1,500 runs at an average of 57.51 certainly make for impressive reading. One of the reasons why Yuvraj Singh’s name has been consistently mentioned for a Test call-up, apart from his emotional connection with fans, is his form in this year’s Ranji Trophy.

Not only has Hooda scored more runs at a better average and strike rate in this year’s Ranji Trophy than Yuvraj Singh, but he also performs a similar role of an explosive middle-order batsman who can roll his arm over and the best part is he is 13 years younger than Yuvraj and provides a better choice for the foreseeable future.

If India want a middle-order batsman who can bat at a healthy strike rate while also provide them a spin option, then they should go for Hooda, as he is the future while picking the World Cup winner will be a step back and inconsistent with the message the selectors have sent out so far.