India vs West Indies 2016: Combined XI

The Men in Blue are gearing up for a long and hectic 4 match test series in the Caribbean islands where they face the unfancied West Indies, starting at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium in Antigua on 21st July 2016. India are expected to win the series hands down with the team comprising of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin.

On the other hand, the Windies team have a relatively inexperienced line-up as some of their best players don't get a chance to represent the country in Tests because of an ongoing rift with their cricket board. India will be looking forward to white-wash the hosts as it will also propel them to the top of the ICC test rankings.

Now, here we chalk out a possible combined playing XI comprising of both West Indies and Indian cricketers.

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#1 Murali Vijay

Going by his form and the way he handles test cricket, there is no doubt that Murali Vijay is the 1st choice opener in the team. Making his debut against Australia in the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Vijay has evolved a lot as a batsman since then and has gone on to be the mainstay in the Indian top order.

In the last few years, he had scored centuries in countries like Australia, England, New Zealand and Bangladesh and has piled up runs in home conditions also. He is steady at the crease and can accelerate when needed.

#2 Kraigg Braithwaite

Kraigg Braithwaite will accompany Vijay for the 2nd opening slot. Dhawan’s inconsistent form along with Braithwaite's ever improving performances played a part in selecting him over the former. Braithwaite who made his debut against Pakistan in the year 2011 was criticised for his lack of technique in the initial stages of his career and was not considered as an international material.

But he proved his critics wrong and went on to score centuries against South Africa, England, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Besides that, he has the ability to grind hard and stay at the crease for longer periods of time.

# 3 Darren Bravo

Coming in at no 3 is the stylish left-handed batsman Darren Bravo. His stroke-play resembles that of the legendary Brian Lara and on his day, he can destroy tough bowling attacks.

Though he hasn’t been consistent enough at the highest level but he has done enough to give him a place at no 3. Making his debut in the year 2010 against Srilanka, he has played some magnificent innings in Tests, scoring centuries against the likes of Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh and India.

#4 Virat Kohli

Arguably the greatest batsman of this generation, Virat Kohli comes in at No 4 and there is simply no competition for this spot. After Sachin’s retirement, he has made the No. 4 position his own. He certainly has the ability to break all kinds of batting records in the near future.

His first test century came against Australia in the year 2012 in Adelaide. He went on to score 4 centuries in 4 tests in their subsequent tour to Australia in the year 2015.

"Kohli is the next chosen one. He exudes the intensity of Dravid, the audacity of Sehwag, and the extraordinary range of Tendulkar. That doesn't make him better, simply sui generis, his own unique kind." This is what Martin Crowe had to say about the young sensation who had already achieved a lot in cricket at the age of 27.

Virat will also captain the combined playing XI.

#5 Ajinkya Rahane

At No.5 comes the man, who will certainly take you through, if there is a crisis, Ajinkya Rahane. His temperament is a class apart and is similar to that of Rahul Dravid. He rarely comes in the limelight and goes about his job in a simple and professional manner.

He is steady at the crease and can play strokes all round the park. His greatest ever century came at the Mecca of cricket, The Lords when he tormented the English bowlers in a green pitch where all the other batsman struggled.

#6 Marlon Samuels

At number six comes in the ever flamboyant Marlon Samuels who is a very good batsman and can also chip in with handy off breaks. Making his debut way back in the year 2000 against Australia, his test career has been a tops- turvy one.

He has been in and out of the side in the last decade and a half but still is a handy choice for any captain as he can bat, bowl and field well.

#7 Wriddhiman Saha

Arguably the best Indian wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha comes in at No 7. He has a wonderful wicket-keeping technique and is also useful with the bat. Though he hasn’t been consistent enough at the Test level, especially in batting it’s understandable that he was under Dhoni’s shadow for a long time.

But his first-class record is impressive and he will surely start scoring more runs at the Test level sooner than later.

#8 Ravichandran Ashwin

The lower order starts with probably, the best spinner in the world currently, Ravichandran Ashwin. He has been performing consistently and taking a bagful of wickets.

He is the fifth fastest bowler in the world and fastest among Indians to get 100 test wickets when he achieved the feat playing his 18th Test match against West Indies in the historic Sachin Tendulkar farewell Test. He can bowl a nagging line and length throughout the day and has the patience to wait for his wickets.

Ashwin is a very intelligent bowler and with some new tricks up his sleeve. he can be the Kingpin of Indian bowling lineup.

#9 Mohammed Shami

Out with an injury since the 2015 World Cup, Mohammed Shami will be eyeing to make a mark in the series. He will be having fond memories of his debut test in Kolkata where he single-handedly demolished the West Indies batting line up with his imperious reverse swinging yorkers.

He will try to terrorise the Windies batting line up just as he did in his debut series.

#10 Shanon Gabriel

Shanon Gabriel is the lone Windies seamer in the line-up. He has a good height and can hit the deck hard. Gabriel made his debut against England in the year 2012 and has a total of 32 wickets in the 14 Tests he played.

#11 Ishant Sharma

Last but not the least, comes in Ishant Sharma. Though he has been termed by many as the worst bowler to play more than 50 Tests, he is a guy who on his day, can destroy any batting line up.

Anyone who knows about this player will remember the memorable spell he bowled as a teenager to the then Aussie captain Ricky Ponting at the WACA. Though he rarely performs on a consistent basis but his experience will come in handy.

Ishant bowled splendidly when the Indians toured West Indies the last time around and he will have fond memories of that. He will surely want to replicate those performances and come out triumphant.