India's Strongest XI against Windies for the second Test

Playing at home yet again, subcontinental juggernauts India were invincible as they swept an underwhelming West Indian side by a whopping margin of an innings and 272 runs to record their biggest Test win ever. Debutant Prithvi Shaw became a household name with this match, as he claimed the Man of the Match at debut.

With India leading 1-0, the action now shifts to Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, where the Caribbeans would be fighting to salvage pride. For India, it would be the last chance to test their bench strength and figure out the best squad ahead of the tour to Australia in November.

Let's have a look at the strongest XI of Team India against Windies for the second Test:

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#Openers - Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal

Prithvi Shaw, the latest entrant into Test cricket became an overnight sensation as he bamboozled the Caribbean bowling attack to become the youngest Indian to score a Test hundred on debut. The U19 skipper showed no sign of nerves and got off to his natural attacking game from the first ball, with none of the ball touching his pads. He bagged the Man of the Match honours for his splendid batting performance. Thus, it is the right occasion for him to maintain his form with the Australia tour in view.

His opening partner, however, in this match should be substituted in favour of Mayank Agarwal, once again keeping the overseas assignments in mind. Irrespective of Rahul's duck at Rajkot, he has proved himself on the turfs of England and Australia in adverse circumstances. Thus, it would be prudent to hand Agarwal his Test cap and give him some match practice, as he is likely to be in the scheme of things at the top of the order against the Kangaroos in a month's time.

#Middle Order- Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Hanuma Vihari

Kohli and Rahane, the two pillars of Indian batting, were at their sublime best in the first game, battling with the heat to score big for their team. Local boy Pujara, though missed his well-deserved hundred by 14 runs, complemented Shaw quite well with a brisk approach, contrary to his game plan, as the duo piled a 206-run partnership for the second wicket.

Captain Kohli continued his dream run as he crossed his 24th Test ton, becoming the second fastest after Sir Don Bradman to reach the mark. He top scored for India with a calculative knock of 139.

Hanuma Vihari must be given an opportunity in place of Ajinkya Rahane, who has been inconsistent of late, failing to convert his starts into big scores. This will also give Vihari the much needed match practice ahead of the Australia tour in November. Moreover, his handy off spin provides an additional option to Virat Kohli in the bowling department.

#Wicketkeeper - Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant unleashed himself on a below average bowling attack. Nevertheless, it demonstrates his attacking mindset, something which he will be aiming to carry forward in the second Test. Pant, who missed his century by 8 runs in the first match, would be looking to make amends this time round.

He would also be keen on improving his keeping, as he had 21 byes against his name at Rajkot.

#Spinners- Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav

India should aim to field the same spin attack as in the first game, with the trio claiming 16 wickets out of 20, which speaks volumes of the impact that they had. Ashwin and Jadeja, also capable of contributing with the bat, provide depth to the batting.

Ashwin exploited the conditions beautifully as he ended up as the highest wicket taker in the first innings and claimed two more scalps in the second. 'Sir' Jadeja continued his rich vein of form across formats as he breached the three-figure barrier to notch his maiden international ton in front of his home crowd. He also claimed 4 wickets and was involved in a comical run out whereby he sent back Hetmyer.

Kuldeep Yadav recorded his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests, as he ran through the Caribbean batting order in the second innings. The chinaman picked 6 wickets in total.

The spin trio would be expected to wreak havoc on the Windies' batting line up once again on the Hyderabad track, which is traditionally known to favour batsmen.

#Fast Bowlers- Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Siraj

Umesh Yadav was unfortunate not to get adequate chances in England to prove himself despite having a successful outing in the first game. Thus, it would be apt for him to take the field in the second game at Hyderabad, once again keeping the Australia tour in mind.

Though Shami bowled beautifully at Rajkot, it would be prudent to rest him in the second game, since he has been prone to injuries in the recent past. The team should give a debut cap instead to Mohammad Siraj, who has been breathtaking at the domestic circuit for quite some time now, steering India A to many victories. This move shall help in managing the workload of one of India's frontline pacers and testing the skill set of another at the international level.