With the growing popularity of the Indian Premier League, there were widespread concerns that Test cricket in India would never be the same. However, the BCCI had something else in mind, and thus when they announced a long home season comprising 13 Test matches, cricket fans could not hold back their elation.
This year has been nothing less than a joy ride for the fans, and the Test team led by the flamboyant Virat Kohli has instilled immense pride in the fans, primarily because Test victories are much savoured.
The Indian Team has remained unbeaten right throughout the year, and the amazing consistency of the team has given hope that these bunch of players would go a long way in restoring India's battered image when it tours overseas.
Also read: Virat Kohli is India's most famous celebrity in the Forbes list released for the year 2016
A captain is only as good as his players, and Kohli has been lucky that the nucleus of the team was fairly settled and a set group of players were always dishing out performances.
These MVPs or Most Valuable Players have made it possible for India to lead the Test rankings, and here in this list we take a look at 5 such champion players.
#5 Cheteshwar Pujara
The Rajkot man has had a year of two halves. Not so long ago, he was considered to be India's most complete Test batsman. But then, he stagnated, had problems with the incoming deliveries, and decided to defend his way out of trouble.
This enhanced his problem as he went into a rut, which was evident during his laborious innings in the West Indies, after which he was dropped.
There were many stories doing the rounds, that the team management was not too enthused with his approach and that he was asked to display a more positive intent.
Pujara has always taken challenges head on and he decided to go back to his trusted ways of trying to assert himself on the opposition. His transformation started with the Duleep Trophy where he dished out 166, 31 and 256 not for India Blue.
He continued this form and intent into the International arena and scored 3 centuries in the 8 Tests between New Zealand and England.
The astute right-hander was at the centre of many Indian fight backs and as the year draws to a close, he has showcased his ability to not only offer resilience but also an ability to rediscover himself.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | 50s | 100s | Average | NOs |
| 11 | 16 | 836 | 124 | 4 | 3 | 55.73 | 1 |
#4 Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane is the quiet understated soldier of the side, who likes to go out, perform and then mingle with the rest. His worth in the Test side can never be gauged by merely putting out numbers.
His self-effacing character and the attitude of walking the extra mile for the team makes him a must have in the Indian team.
With all these virtues, Rahane has also the ability to score big and crucial runs.
He was the second-highest scorer in the series against New Zealand and during the tour to the West Indies.
Although he did not get going in the series against England and was later sidelined with an injury, he continues to be one of the first names to be inked on the Team sheet.
Apart from this, his slip catching against the spinners has been a real find for India. Both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have a lot to thank him for their sterling run so far.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 50s | 100s | NOs |
| 10 | 15 | 653 | 188 | 54.41 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
#3 Mohammad Shami
The emergence of India's fast bowling contingent has been the biggest positive in this season.
Mohammad Shami has been the leader of the attack, and ever since his comeback into the team, he has shown immense potential and skill.
His ability with the new ball is just as effective as his ability with the old ball. He can get the ball to swirl, seam and swing with the new nut, and then when he gets the older ball in his hand he can make it reverse.
He was the second most successful bowler against West Indies, where he picked up 11 wickets in 7 innings.
He continued this form into the series against New Zealand where he picked up 8 wickets in 6 innings, and almost always gave India an early breakthrough.
However, he peaked during the series against England where he out bowled the English bowlers comfortably. The sight of him going through the defence of Alastair Cook and breaking the off stump is one for the ages.
Unfortunately, he got injured for the final 2 matches, but he has shown that if he is fit and able, he can be quite a handful.
| Matches | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Best Figures | 5WH | 10WH |
| 10 | 19 | 29 | 26.86 | 56.1 | 4/66 | 0 | 0 |
#2 Virat Kohli
India's Test captain has had a superlative year across all formats. He has conquered and mastered every format of the game to such an extent that after having scored 4 centuries in the Indian Premier League, he amassed 3 double centuries in whites.
There were no doubts over his potential against the white ball, but now as the year draws to a close, he has shown that he has the game, technique, temperament and ability to excel in the longest format as well.
Leadership does strange things; it either forces you to enter a bubble or it emancipates you. Ever since he has assumed leadership of the side, Kohli has flicked on a switch which has taken him to almost dizzying heights.
Responsibility has buoyed him and his own game has seen tremendous improvement.
India remained unbeaten in the year, and Kohli the captain has so much to thank Kohli the batsman.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 50s | 100s | NO |
| 12 | 18 | 1215 | 235 | 1215 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
#1 Ravichandran Ashwin
ICC Test player of the year and ICC Cricketer of the year, R Ashwin would not want to forget this year in a hurry.
India's premier off-spinner was in beast mode right throughout the season and picked up wickets as if he was plucking grass from a farm.
With a remodelled action and better understanding of the game, the Chennai man wreaked havoc against all teams, more so in home conditions.
He was the top wicket-taker in the series against West Indies, New Zealand and England, and more often than not accounted for the best batsman in the opposition.
Apart from this, his batting went to another level, and there is no denying the fact that he became the all-rounder India was always looking for.
Was he India's Most Valuable Player, even better than Virat Kohli?
Most certainly yes, because it is the bowlers who win you matches by picking up 20 wickets!
| Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Strike Rate | 5WH | 10WH |
| 12 | 23 | 72 | 7/59 | 23.90 | 48.7 | 8 | 3 |
More power to you Ashwin!
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