India's player ratings for Test cricket in 2016

Ravichandran Ashwin is the world’s best all-rounder

Ravichandran Ashwin – 10

Simply unreal year for the world’ s best all-rounder. He has been so impressive with the bat that it prompted his promotion to the #6 spot, ahead of the recognized wicket-keeper. He scored two hundreds in 2016, but he did the most damage with the ball.

He took 72 wickets at an average of 23.9 and perhaps most impressively, managed eight 5-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls. The greater challenges lie abroad for Ashwin, obviously.

Ravindra Jadeja – 9

Ravindra Jadeja is India’s silent assassin. While his all-action manner on the field sometimes led to people ridiculing his perfomances, 2016 was the year that he made it count with both the bat and ball. He is now a respected, senior member in the squad.

His batting got better as the year went on and his match-winning 10-wicket haul in Chennai was just reward for the unbelievable accuracy he displayed all year.

Mohammed Shami – 8

Shami handled the responsibility of being India’s pace spearhead superbly. Returning after a lenghty injury spell, a curse that has affected some of India’s most promising talents, Shami showed that he hadn’t skipped a beat as he bowled with great accuracy throughout.

Provided a couple of ‘highlight reel’ moments for the Indian fans as he destroyed the stumps on more than one ocassion. He would like to add a 5-wicket haul to his kitty in 2017.

Umesh Yadav – 6.5

Umesh Yadav showed plenty of promise in 2016 as he bowled his deadly pace in India. The future certainly looks bright for the speedster as he will only be more effective in pace-friendly tracks abroad in the future.

There were doubts over his consistency earlier in his career, but that was one part of his game he worked on in 2016. Has shown the ability to pick up a wicket when it is most needed for the team.

Ishant Sharma – 6.5

Ishant Sharma battled with injuries towards the end of the year, but did an admirable job whenever he was in the playing XI. He is India’ s most senior member in the bowling attack now, and with India’ s squad being so young, his experience helps.

He has a couple of seasons left in him and will be determined to cement a starting berth next year.

Notable mentions

Jayant Yadav – 8.5

An unbelievable find for the Indian cricket team, Jayant Yadav made waves with his performances in the three Tests against England. Showed that he has the temperament to back up an all-round game that makes him an amazing asset.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 7

Another one who battled with injuries throughout but was very impressive whenever he got the chance. He is India’s best swing bowler and will be determined to prove his worth further in 2017.

Amit Mishra – 4

Perphaps the player who will be most disappointed with his year will be Amit Mishra. With the addition of Anil Kumble to the team, Mishra was in a perfect position to cash in as India’s premier leg-spinner, something he failed to do.