India vs Windies: Three Indian players to watch out

The Test series between India and Windies may not have a significant impact in the context of larger view but for a few Indian players, this series is a big moment.

In this Test series, the balance is tilted heavily in the favour of Team India as Windies have plenty of gaping holes in all departments and the home advantage makes India even better. But even then the intensity by Indian players has remained the same as for few of them this Test series could decide their place in the side.

Especially these three players will be keen on making their presence felt as both teams gear up for the second Test which begins from October 12.

1. KL Rahul-

Few months back, KL Rahul was India’s third opener, a back-up for Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay. But suddenly he has become the senior opener in the team. This means his place in the team is kind of secured but it also increases his responsibilities.

Since his hundred in Australia, Rahul hasn’t been able to deliver consistently and he was abysmal in England except for the last innings where he scored a hundred.

In the Rajkot Test, most Indian batsmen capatalized on the easy conditions and weak opposition while Rahul once again failed.

He has a massive role to play in Australia and he would be itching to get some runs under his belt in the second Test against Windies to ensure his confidence is intact.

2. Ajinkya Rahane-

India’s vice-captain is going through a lean patch. He was dropped in South Africa, had a quiet series in England and threw away a solid start in the first innings against Windies.

He is clearly struggling since the last one year in Tests and he also knows that he is just a few failures away from getting dropped once again from the team.  Hyderabad Test could be a decisive innings for his Test career.

3. Umesh Yadav-

When the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are creating havoc in opposition camps, Umesh Yadav still remains a ‘potential threat’.

Also read: Jason Holder’s answer to the critics 

His raw pace and ability to bowl day in day out has been admired by the team management but the competition is so tough that he needs something in the wickets column to retain his place in the team.

He has already lost his place in the ODI team and hence needs a strong show in the second Test against Windies to prove that he deserves a place in India’s squad for Australia.

Umesh was impressive in the first Test and he will be even more pumped up for the face-off against Windies at Hyderabad.