India vs England 2018: 3 Indian players who could surprise in Test series

The much-awaited five-match Test series between England and India will be a close contest. The real test begins for Virat Kohli and Co. who are currently the No.1 team in Test rankings.

Considering the favorable conditions and with pitches getting more drier, this could well be the best chance for team India to win the Test series. The English side is very strong in their home conditions which is why it won't be an easy task for the visiting team.

Also, the longevity of the series could be a big factor as it will take a big workload on bowlers. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah not available for the initial part, it will depend on how other bowlers would perform.

The bench strength will be tested, and some of these players could possess a serious threat. Let us find out which players who could be a surprise element against the English team.

#3 Rishabh Pant

Rahul Dravid believes that Rishabh Pant will do better in Test cricket.

After Wriddiman Saha was ruled of the Test series, Rishabh Pant received maiden Test call as a backup keeper for the Test side. He has been in ominous form and has continued his purple patch from where he left off in this year’s IPL season.

Pant had scored heavily on this England tour while playing for India A. He has looked in great touch both in the ODI tri-series and Test series. His First-Class record is also impressive where he scored 1744 runs in 23 Tests at an amazing average of 54.

In fact, Pant was the only shining light against England Lions when India suffered a heavy defeat. He scored half-centuries in each of the innings he played.

Pant has been there in the UK for almost one month and has got used to the conditions. The stylish left-hander could be in the playing XI if Dinesh Karthik does not perform in the initial matches, and could be a big surprise package for the England team.

#2 Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur has been performing consistently in Ranji trophy

After Bhuvneshwar Kumar was ruled out of the first three Tests, Shardul Thakur was named in the Test team. He has looked promising in the domestic circuit and has a good track record in the First Class matches.

In 55 First Class matches, Shardul has picked up 188 wickets at an average of 28.27 with 12 five-wicket hauls to his name. He likes to hit the deck and also possesses a lethal outswinger which could be a big factor in the English conditions.

Shardul's ability to keep good seam position while maintaining the pace could well pose a great threat for the England team. Considering that it will be a very long tour, he might get to play in one or two Tests and can make a huge impact if he bowls to his strength.

#1 Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav has looked in great form picking wickets in a heap.

The emergence of Kuldeep Yadav has been one of the biggest positives for team India. He has taken a giant stride in his short stint career. He has looked threatening right from the start of the tour and has performed consistently.

The left-arm chinaman has created havoc in the English team with his subtle variations and accurate bowling. He has picked up 14 wickets both in ODI and T20I series which includes two Man of the Match performances. He had picked up a five-wicket haul in the 1st T20I match and a six-wicket haul in the 1st ODI match.

With the current form, Kuldeep will surely find a spot in the playing XI and could be a big weapon for the Indian team. With pitches getting more drier, and addition of some new players in the England Test team, it will be a huge factor going into the Test series.