India vs Sri Lanka 2017: India's predicted XI for second Test match

After a riveting encounter at the Eden Gardens, the action now shifts to central India.

The number 1 team in the world were put under pressure at different times of the first Test match, but they managed to gain the ascendancy as the match scuttled along on the fifth day while Sri Lanka somehow managed to stay afloat by the skin of their teeth to salvage a draw.

However, two key components to India's dominant display in Kolkata, Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been released from the squad and this translates into a new-look Indian team for the second Test.

Openers

A more solid opening combination

KL Rahul

With nine half-centuries in his last 11 innings, the Karnataka-man is in prime form and would now like to convert his string of 50s into a century in the Nagpur Test.

"Yeah, little disappointed but I’m kinda getting used to not reaching a hundred. It has been the eight or ninth time but it will come when it has to come. Quite honestly, I don’t know how to feel about it," Rahul said after the first Test.

This is a good opportunity for the young man to get into some good habits before the away tours.

Murali Vijay

Many believed that Vijay should have accompanied Rahul in the first Test, but the team management went ahead with Shikhar Dhawan.

However, Vijay will get his chance since Dhawan is not available and would want to seal his spot which he has conceded to Dhawan in the recent past.

Middle Order

The middle-order nucleus

Cheteshwar Pujara

People applauded Virat Kohli's century in the third innings, but had it not been for Cheteshwar Pujara's gritty 52 in the first innings, India would have been in a really tricky place.

Under cloudy skies and on a lively pitch, Pujara was an embodiment of calm and patience and his defensive game was first-class.

Virat Kohli

The Indian captain got out of a rut in Test cricket with a brilliant century in India's second innings at the Eden Gardens and it was all because of his intent that India managed to throw some life into the match.

Kohli would now want to continue his form and reclaim the consistency which had become synonymous with his batting in the previous home season.

Ajinkya Rahane

The vice-captain has not been in the best of form recently, but there is little doubt about his capability and tenacity.

Walking in at number 5, Rahane has changed the complexion of several matches over the past 15 months, and the Indian management would want him to find some form, as he will be India's clutch player in overseas conditions.

All-rounders

A debut coming up?

Ravichandran Ashwin

India's premier off-spinner has given enough proof of his all-round credentials and the team management has given him an extended run at the number six spot.

He lost his wicket to very loose strokes in the first Test and would now want to score substantial runs to bolster his chances for the away season.

Vijay Shankar

The young Tamil Nadu all-rounder might make his debut in Nagpur as he renders a lot of balance to the Indian team owing to his seam bowling and solid batting credentials.

If the pitch is lively, Shankar's seam bowling will be a handy tool at Kohli's disposal and it will also allow the regular seamers to take a break between spells.

Also, he is no slouch with the bat and this match might well be his audition for the South Africa tour.

Wriddhiman Saha

India's umbrella man, Wriddiman Saha has been able to change the course of several matches solely with the bat over the last two seasons.

Also, he is probably the best wicket-keeper in the world and with his experience behind the stumps, he is a vital asset to this Indian team.

Seamers

Shami holds the key with the ball

Mohammed Shami

On his day, Shami can be an out-and-out match-winner and gave a glimpse of his brilliance in Kolkata when he hooped the ball around corners.

With pace and movement at his disposal, he can be the leader of the attack across all conditions.

However, his major concern remains his fitness and if he is able to manage his body, India will be blessed with a gun bowler.

Umesh Yadav

Despite having favourable conditions, Umesh was not able to create an impact in Kolkata, but he could change it all in Nagpur, which is also his home stadium.

He lacked control in the first Test match, but with some bowling under his belt, he can be a real handful in Nagpur.

Ishant Sharma

The lanky seamer might replace Bhuvneshwar Kumar and should make an immediate impact as he has been in sterling form in Ranji Trophy.

With 11 wickets in his last two matches, Ishant has been in the groove and it will be an interesting watch if he manages to translate this into International cricket.