India-Bangladesh Combined XI

Middle Order

3.Cheteshwar Pujara

The right-hander was perhaps India’s most improved batsman of the year 2016. After enduring a torrid time in the West Indies, the 29-year-old bounced back in some style during the home season, where he adopted a different style of batting.

Pujara's most important quality has always been his defence, but from the outset against New Zealand, he combined that aspect with aggression, not backing away from giving the bad ball from what it deserved.

It was a refreshing change from usually watching the Saurashtra batsman go about his business in a dogged manner and one that found him both runs as well as a new set of fans.

Beginning 2017, Pujara will hope for more of the same and look to play a pivotal role in keeping India's Number One ranking with them.

4.Virat Kohli(Captain)

The lynchpin of the current batting line-up and someone who the visitors have to nap early in order to restrict India to a low total.

A lot has been written about Kohli's exploits with the bat and rightly so.

The right-hander has in the last 12 months, established himself as one of the best batsmen in the world, courtesy some staggering performances across all three formats of the game.

Kohli's amazing ability to get runs using orthodox cricketing shots makes him stand out from the rest of the pack and if India are to excel in the remaining 5 Tests of this home season, then it goes without saying that runs from his blade will be vital.

5.Ajinkya Rahane

In the four overseas trips starting from the South Africa in 2013 to Australia in early 2015, one man proved to be the rock in the Indian batting line-up. Ajinkya Rahane may not have the flamboyance of a Virat Kohli, but he sure has the mettle required to get the team out of a crisis.

The right-hander had a dip in form towards the end of 2016 and will be eager to get going in the game against Bangladesh.

Rahane is coming into the game on the back of an impressive knock in the Inter-Zonal T20 and he will carry the confidence of having some runs under his belt when he steps onto the field.

6.Shakib Al Hasan

One of the premier all-rounders in the game today, Shakib Al Hasan will have a key role to play if Bangladesh is to put a good showing in the game against India.

The 29-year-old all-rounder, ranked Number 2 on the ICC Rankings, has begun 2017 in excellent form with the bat in hand, having scored a double hundred against New Zealand and will look to carry that form into the game against India.

7.Mushfiqur Rahim(Wicketkeeper)

The captain of the Bangladesh Test team will have an important role to play both with bat and gloves.

Rahim, like Shakib, had a good tour of New Zealand, where he made a century and in India, his contribution with the bat will be critical for Bangladesh to reach a big total.

Rahim made a ton against India in the Test match in 2010 and in the game at Hyderabad, he will once again need to be on top of his game with the bat, for his side to put up a big total on the board.