The Indian team is playing the Sri Lankans in the second test at Colombo following a resounding win in the first test. The team was able to dominate completely and excelled in all departments. The Indian team will have a selection headache at the top of the order especially. Here is a look at the probable XI for the second test:
Shikhar Dhawan:
The opener continued his rich vein of form in limited overs cricket to the longer format of the game and might just get to keep his place in the XI. He scored a brilliant 190 in the first innings that set the tone for the team.
KL Rahul:
Despite Abhinav Mukund’s good score in the first innings, KL Rahul should feature in the second test after missing out the first due to flu. The Bangalore based batsman will be looking to perform well considering the competition for the spot.
Cheteshwar Pujara:
A place that is assured and sure, Pujara’s spot at number 3 is never under any real threat. He is the highest run getter in 2017 for India and in world cricket at the moment. He will be looking to only improve his own record.
Virat Kohli:
The captain roared back to form in the second innings of the first test, with an unbeaten 103 that suggested he can never be written off. He will look to lead the team to another win at Colombo and then tinker with the squad later on.
Ajinkya Rahane:
Another player who is consistent at this position is Rahane. The Maharashtrian is one player who is hard to get out once he gets settled in the middle and he can be the anchor that the team will look to if the going gets hard.
Wriddhiman Saha:
The wicket-keeper is a player who can play an important innings when called upon but for the moment, he would look to concentrate on his role behind the stumps. Saha also does not have the best luck with the DRS and will look to improve that aspect.
Ravichandran Ashwin:
The spin bowler moved from number 1 to number 2 in Test bowling rankings but won’t mind as long as it is to his teammate. Ashwin is a very important member of the team and played a role in the first test by picking up wickets when required.
Ravindra Jadeja:
The number one bowler in the world at the moment got his groove back in the last test match and his place in the team is under no threat. He will look to bowl disciplined lengths again in the next test and pick up more wickets.
Hardik Pandya:
The all-rounder had an excellent debut, hitting a half-century and managing to pick up a wicket too. He is looking dangerous and is can turn be an excellent asset for the team in the coming years if he continues his form.
Mohammad Shami:
The Indian pacer had a good test match, picking up wickets and managing to hit a few sixes down the order. Shami will mostly keep his place in the squad and will look to build on his performances from the first game.
Umesh Yadav:
One of India’s best striker bowlers in recent times, Umesh will also keep his squad after another neat performance in the first test. He can swing the ball both ways and will look to get more wickets in the coming tests.
