Five key players for Team India in the Durban Test

Modified Dec 25, 2013 22:38 IST

Without being prejudiced, this is high time that all members of team India sit together and take a vow to fight it out till the last. Everyone who knows even a little about this fascinating game is aware of the fact that there is no dearth of talent in team India. So much so that as of today, perhaps, Indian squad is the best placed to challenge the mighty South African cricket team on their very soil. To sum up, I just intend to say that under the excellent leadership of MS Dhoni, team India has sailed through challenging situations on number of occasions, so let us be positive. However, in my opinion the following key players are going to play a major role in the second test in Durban:

Virat Kohli

Undoubtedly he is the back bone of the batting for team India. In case he is able to lay a solid foundation, the chances of team India will simply increase. For most of his followers, he has already filled the void left vacant by Sachin Tendulkar. The impressive stats of this 25 year old aggressive batsman speak volume about his talent. He has got a pretty good average of 45.31 in Test matches. Till date, he has played only 21 Tests and 35 innings, but he has already scored 5 centuries and 8 half centuries. His contribution in the first test was crucial for India.

Cheteshwar Pujara

This fellow is proudly standing at number 7^th position in the list of ICC rankings, and he has the temperament to strike in the need of hour. He is fast emerging as mister dependable for team India. Given his solid technique and ability to stand firm on the wicket, he will surely become a trustworthy batsman capable of replacing Rahul Dravid. His Test average is excellent – 67.63. Like Kohli, he has started his career well and has already scored 6 centuries and 3 fifties in just 16 matches.

MS Dhoni

He is definitely the best finisher of the recent times. He has the capability to fast track the score as per the need of the hour. He has displayed this on a number of occasions. The best part is he is always able to pull up the scoring rate as per the requirement. His Test batting average is not ideal, but he has bailed out team India a few times.

Zaheer Khan

With his rich experience of 13 years on fast tracks across the globe, he is crucial for the team. He has already achieved a record of 300 test wickets, and has almost become indispensable. He has shown his unparalleled stamina and strength when he bowled 60 overs in the first test. Apart from his wicket haul in the current season, his billion dollar contribution comes through his useful guidance to the young Indian bowlers. He is preparing the future line of India’s pace attack, and will also be crucial to India’s chances tomorrow.

Mohammed Shami

In any given combination for team India, Shami’s name is an obvious choice. He is already having impressive figures of 16 wickets in 3 Tests with an equally good average of 21.60. Everyone is hoping that he will make a permanent mark on the soil of South Africa in the second test. Speed, swing, controlled line and length, ability to move the ball both ways and impressive bouncers – he has it all

It is apprehended that we might be able to conquer the last fort. However, the above referred players are going to play the key role. At the same time, we are not undermining the contribution of other players. Any wining expedition is a collective effort, after all.