Probable batting line up for India in Tests and ODIs

Number 3. Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara has been the backbone of the Indian team for the last couple of seasons and has been responsible for providing the platform through which the Indians have scored over 600 runs consistently. The Saurashtra run-machine only plays one form of the game and is no doubt one of the best in Test.

Number 4. Virat Kohli

The captain, who plays at number 4, gives direction to the Indian innings with his brand of cricket. There are no two ways about his ability to bat. Kohli is pure class and currently a part of the Fab 4 of World Cricket, featuring the likes of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root.

Number 5. Ajinkya Rahane

The man who has a reputation of scoring the tough runs on tough wickets is India’s number 5 Ajinkya Rahane. Be it the hundred at Lord’s on a green wicket or the half century at Chinnaswamy against Australia on a slow and low wicket, Ajinkya Rahane is man of crisis for the Indian team

Number 6. Rohit Sharma/ Hardik Pandya

The number six spot in the Indian team is yet another point of focus for the Indian team apart from the opening position. One has to find a way to slot in a player of the quality of Rohit Sharma in the whites for India. However, it would depend on the combination and the surface to find a way for him to comeback into Test cricket.

Indian management has gone in with the services of Ravichandran Ashwin at number 6. That said, one has a feeling that the slot is a bit higher for number 1 bowler in the world in Test. Pandya has made his case stronger to bat at 4 down after scoring his maiden Test century. Looking at Virat Kohli’s affinity for balance in the side, Pandya would get the nod ahead of Sharma.

Number 7. Wriddhiman Saha

Just like Cheteshwar Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha represents the country only in Test cricket and is regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in World Cricket at the moment. Also, he has scored important runs down the order which has stretched the first innings score regularly, deflating the morales of the opposition with the frustrating partnership with the lower order.

Number 8. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin has the gift of timing and class written all over him. It would be a task for the opposition to overcome the fact that with the team six down, a batsman with four Test century would be taking guard. Ashwin provides the balance for which Kohli and Shastri have had an inclination for.

Number 9. Ravindra Jadeja

India is gifted to have such depth and class in the batting line up with Ravindra Jadeja batting at number 9. He provides the impetus when Indians desires to declare while targeting a score. He recently was crowned as the number 1 all rounder in Test cricket by overhauling the Shakib al Hasan.