5 players who might be axed from the Indian side at the end of the series

The Indian cricket team is currently having a torrid time at England as they haven't managed to register a single victory in the two tests played so far. Except for Virat Kohli, none of the cricketers haven't been able to make much of an impact.

India's losses can be attributed to the illogical team selection and cricketers' lack of application. Had the Indian batsmen managed to stay in the crease for a while, they could have easily won the first test from the jaws of England.

If India's form continues in this fashion, the selectors could completely revamp the squad and let go of a lot of players in that process. Here, we take a look at those cricketers who the selectors might drop at the end of the series.

#5 Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav was selected for the England tour in all three formats of the game due to his rich vein of form in the recently concluded IPL. He made it to the XI for the first test after the trio of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were ruled out due to an injury.

A lot was expected of Umesh Yadav from fans and pundits as the pitch in Birmingham was tailor-made for him. However, he did not make use of his chances and leaked too many runs. He also managed to take just 3 wickets.

With Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar recovering back from injuries, India wouldn't want to avail the services of inconsistent Umesh Yadav.

#4 Ajinkya Rahane

England v India: Specsavers 2nd Test - Day Two

India was forced to persist with Ajinkya Rahane for the 2nd test due to Rahane's excellent overseas performances in the past. Rahane hadn't been able to repeat his past heroics and has been heavily criticized by the fans for under-performing this series.

Rahane has managed to gather a meager 48 runs in four innings at an average of 12. From being considered the player to lead Indian batting attack in away conditions, he is on the verge of getting dropped for the third test due to the same.

With Karun Nair and Rishabh Pant waiting in the wings, India might drop their Test vice-captain for the remainder of the Test series.

#3 Shikhar Dhawan

England v India: Specsavers 1st Test - Day Two

Ever since scoring 187 against Australia in Mohali, his test career has remained in a jeopardy. Dhawan might have been India's top opener a few years back but his vulnerable form has back-dropped him to the bench in test cricket.

Dhawan got the nod to play the first Test match against England replacing Cheteshwar Pujara. Despite scoring 39 runs in the first test, he was dropped from the squad due to his impatience at the crease. Dhawan has always looked to counter-attack from the very first ball which isn't suitable for Test cricket.

With India's all three openers struggling to find form, Dhawan might be one among them to face the axe.

#2 Murali Vijay

England v India: Specsavers 2nd Test - Day Four

Not many would know that Murali Vijay was the highest run-scorer for India when they toured England last time in 2014. This tour has been a completely different story for Vijay as he has completely looked out of sorts and hasn't been able to capitalize on his batting strengths.

Vijay did not get off the mark in both the innings of the second test as he fell prey to James Anderson's swingers. He has suffered a huge dip in his form and never managed to settle himself in the crease.

As Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal are scoring runs for fun at home and away conditions, if Murali Vijay fails to make use of his chances, he might as well be playing his last series.

#1 Dinesh Karthik

England v India: Specsavers 2nd Test - Day Two

Dinesh Karthik replaced the injured Wriddhiman Saha for the test series against England. In India's warm-up match against Essex, he smacked 82 runs off just 95 balls and was expected to play a huge role in India's campaign.

However, with time, his place in the side remains a cause of uncertainty as Dinesh Karthik failed to impress with the bat and glove when it mattered. Dinesh Karthik dropped a couple of sitters which changed the course of the game in both the matches. He has managed scores of 0,21,1 and 0 in the four innings of first two tests.

One big performance from Rishabh Pant in the upcoming games could close the doors on Dinesh Karthik's selection.