India vs Australia: India's possible playing XI to face Australia in Bengaluru Test

Modified Mar 01, 2017 17:48 IST

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 10: Nathan Lyon of Australia celebrates with team mates after dismissing Lokesh Rahul of India during day five of the Fourth Test match between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 10, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) — India trail 0-1 in the series

Middle order

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Virat Kohli of India celebrates and acknowledges the crowd after scoring a century during day three of the Fourth Test match between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) — Kohli has been in prime form of late

After the series against West Indies in August last year Cheteshwar Pujara’s form was under immense scrutiny. But he scored truckloads of runs in the domestic circuit and then against New Zealand to cement his place in the side again.

Against England too, the Saurashtra batter scored two delightful centuries and then cracked an 83 against Bangladesh. However, in the first Test against Australia, he managed just 6 and 31 in both innings. He would ideally want to have a much-improved performance at the Chinnaswamy.

Apart from Pujara, captain Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha are almost certainties in the middle order.

Although Rahane’s form has been topsy-turvy, Kohli and Saha have had a brilliant run of form in the recent past.

Now if India are to play an extra batsman they have to drop Jayant Yadav, the offspinner who picked just two wickets in the last game and rope in Karun Nair.

Nair hasn’t had a game since scoring a triple hundred against England in the last Test. He can be a perfect answer to India’s batting woes.

Also, we will not be surprised if Kohli gives young all-rounder Hardik Pandya his debut as he can be a handful with both the ball and the willow.