India v New Zealand: India's predicted Test squad

With the arduous India v New Zealand series looming over the horizon, the Indian selectors are in somewhat of a conundrum. As far as Anil Kumble and the rest of his coaching staff would be concerned, this is a good conundrum with the selectors flooded with talent to pick on the side.

With many players making it big in the Duleep Trophy, it is clear that some of them certainly do have a chance of having a crack in the upcoming tour. That said, we take a look at the preliminary squad the India selectors could pick for the tour.

The series is set to begin on the 22nd of September. They will play a three-match Test series and a five-match ODI series as well.

Openers:

KL Rahul; Gautam Gambhir; Shikhar Dhawan

In the West Indies, the Indians had a similar issue with their opening batsmen. The first Test saw Murali Vijay get injured and KL Rahul take his place. However, Rahul’s terrific performance ensured that he would stay in the side ahead of Vijay. The 32-year old Vijay is currently playing in the TNPL, where his side is making waves. However, with the likes of Rahul performing at his best, it is highly unlikely that Rahul will be dropped.

Shikhar Dhawan will be a mainstay as he has been in the side thus far. However, it is also highly likely that 34-year old Gautam Gambhir will get a second bite at the cherry in the international cricketing arena. Having been dropped due to adverse form, Gambhir may have just made a case for himself in the ongoing Duleep Trophy. However, whether this happens or not remains to be seen. The surprise will be whether the Indian selectors choose to leave Murali Vijay out.