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

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.