India’s tour of England is one of the biggest marque cricketing events. The 5-Test match series promises a lot of gripping action. England are hurt from the fact that they were routed 3-1 during their away leg. They will be baying to reverse the fortunes at home. England are missing the services of their talismanic allrounder, Ben Stokes. But they still boast of a high-quality bowling attack. The likes of Sam Curran can seamlessly take over Stokes’s role. India will have their task cut out against a good England unit in their own conditions. Lets look at Indian players to watch out for in the England Test series.
We look at 5 Indian players who will prove to be the difference between the two sides:
#5 Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant notched up his first Test century in England 3 years ago. He scored an outstanding 114 in the fourth innings at the Oval to help India narrow their loss margin. Pant’s innings were a sign of things to come. He has since then gone on from strength to strength. Pant is one of the biggest X-factors that India have at their disposal. He had a great series against England earlier this year. One can’t rule out an encore from him.
#4 Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin was the man of the series against England in the 4-Test match series held in India earlier this year. He was unstoppable not just with the ball but also with the bat. Ashwin scored a fantastic century in the 2nd innings at Chennai ensuring a huge Indian win. His recent county stint with Surrey is sure to assist him big time this series. Ashwin is one spinner who has gone beyond helpful pitches and conditions. His all-condition excellence will play a big part in India’s dominance in this series.
#3 Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has shown fantastic promise in his limited India appearances. His all-round display in India’s epic win at the Gabba, Brisbane is still fresh in everyone’s minds. Thakur is an honest trier. He gives his 100% in everything that he does. His natural swing bowling ability will help him push his case for selection in all the games. Thakur’s X-factor all-round skills will add much-needed depth to India’s lower-order batting woes. This might just be Thakur’s breakthrough series.
#2 Mohammad Siraj
Mohammad Siraj is the biggest successful human story in cricket in the last few years. Siraj channeled everything that went against him to deliver not just heart-winning but match-winning performances. He went on to lead the Indian attack in just his 3rd Test. Siraj is already touted to be India’s biggest weapon in this series. If Siraj is able to deliver as expected, he and India would have had a series to remember.
#1 Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has evolved into a senior statesman even in Test cricket. He is arguably the best Test opener in the world currently. Sharma was the difference between the two sides when they met in India earlier this year. He looked at home in alien conditions even in the WTC finals. Sharma himself will admit that he has failed to kick onto the starts he has got overseas. This might just be the series when the Test batsman in him comes into his own. A great series for Sharma will ensure a series win for India after 15 years in England.
Also read: My Father Hasn’t Seen Me Play For India: Virat Kohli
