England vs India 2018: 4 players who might be dropped from the squad for last two Tests

A thin ray of light can defeat the deepest of darkness. Somewhat the story for India on Day 1 of the third Test. After being 2-0 down in the series, the performance on the opening day drew back a great sense of confidence in the Indian camp. However, the result at the end of the third Test will play a decisive role for selectors in fixing the squad for the remainder of the series.

Current performances from the Indian team have opened up a lot of questions for the selectors to look into before finalizing the squad for the last two Tests. The opening combination and Karthik's form would be the hottest topics in the selectors' meeting.

Thus, some surprise selections for the last two Tests could be a story. Moreover, selectors are also expected to do some axing for the final two games.

Hence, let us look at four players who could be dropped for the remainder of the Test series:

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#1 Murali Vijay

Vijay has not looked his usual self

So far, the opening combination has been a matter of huge concern for the Indian team on this tour. Although Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul have finally seemed to have found their rhythm, Murali Vijay's inefficacy remains the matter of discussion for the team management before selecting the squad for the last two Tests.

Hence, with eminent young lads waiting in the wings for a Test call-up, it seems very unlikely that the veteran right-handed opener from Chennai will find a place in the squad for the final two Tests.

To be fair enough, Dhawan and Rahul have also struggled against the English bowling line-up. However, Vijay's case has been somewhat more severe than Dhawan and Rahul's. Vijay has been short on intent and as well as on confidence which is far from the case with Dhawan and Rahul.

Thus, with Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal having played quite brilliantly for India A in the recent past, we might see some surprise additions in the squad for the last two Tests, particularly in the opening department.

#2 Karun Nair

Nair scored a triple century against the same opponents at home

A persuasive batsman who defines his game on stroke play than absolute power, Karun Nair is one of the several ambitious cricketers who parallels with a touch of class. For the past two years, Karun has been in the thoughts of Indian administrators, who see him as a future batting prospect.

However, Karun has just not been able to find a place in this Indian team primarily because of the star-studded middle-order. Thus, with Kohli, Rahane, and Pujara in the middle-order, the roads ahead seem to be tougher for Karun.

Hence, the Indian management might part their ways with Karun Nair for the last two Tests. Moreover, some tempting options from the current India A side could also call for the axing of the Karnataka batsman for the remainder of the series.

#3 Dinesh Karthik

Karthik's form has gone downhill since landing in England

Dinesh Karthik has had an extremely sorry tour thus far. Moreover, a reported finger injury has made the story worse for him. Courtesy of his injury and poor form, India decided to drop Dinesh from the third Test and eventually handed Rishabh Pant his Test debut.

With scores of 1, 0, 0, and 20, Karthik has had a dreadful time in the first two Tests against England. Certainly, the Tamil Nadu batsman has not been able to replicate his performances from the 2007 England tour.

Thus far, Pant has been decently impressive and is all set to take his career to great heights. Hence, with the youngster performing well for India and Karthik struggling to get going, the veteran keeper is presumed to squander his place in the squad for the final two Tests.

#4 Shardul Thakur

Thakur performed decently in the 2018 Nidahas trophy

Unquestionably, Shardul Thakur has proved to be a decent bowler for the Indian team in the limited overs format. Having instilled confidence in Shardul, Indian management has built themselves a sound product, who currently, not only determines to be an adequate backup bowler, but also a reliable future bowling vista for India.

However, Shardul has not got the needed break in this tour, primarily, because of his specialization as a deck hitting bowler. Moreover, with Ishant, Shami, and Umesh in the bowling department, it seems likely that Shardul might have to let go of his place for the last two Tests.

Besides, Bumrah coming back into the fray reinforces the argument. Thus, cometh the last two Tests, the selectors could go for an extra batsman in the place of Shardul.

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Do you think these players will be axed for the last two Tests? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!