India vs West Indies 2013: 5 things under focus in the 1st Test at Kolkata

4. The opening question for India

Murali Vijay’s trial continues

After Shikhar Dhawan’s stupendous success in limited overs, it’s hard to imagine that it’s been a good 7-8 months since Dhawan scored 187 on Debut against Australia in Mohali. He’s cracked 4 centuries and 4 half-centuries since then in ODIs. The biggest test in front of him in Kolkata would be to adapt to the Test routine.

India batsmen are coming off a record-breaking series against Australia and their batsmen would be in supreme confidence of their abilities, but they would have to be careful against the pacers Kemar Roach and Tino Best, who have the ability to bring up the pace, and with the red cherry, out and out aggression may not turn out to be the best strategy for the mighty Indians.

Murali Vijay has failed to impress after being the top scorer against Australia earlier this year. The failures of both Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag have made his inclusion in the side less surprising than what it should have been. Vijay has been a tried and tested failure overseas for India, and before departing to South Africa, the least selectors would expect, is another run-fest from the Chennai batsman.