Murali Vijay, Virat Kohli or Aijnkya Rahane - Who has been India's best Test batter since Sachin Tendulkar's retirement

1) Murali Vijay - The unexpected one

Murali Vijay has been a rock at the top of the innings

When Murali Vijay broke onto the scene, not many people would have predicted that he would go on to be India’s ‘Mr. Reliable’ in seaming conditions abroad. He was more known for his exploits with the Chennai Super Kings, where he was a dashing opener.

He was brought back into the Test squad in early 2013 and he made the best of that opportunity, hammering the Australian attack at home. That performance was enough to ensure he became a key component of the squad.

How has he fared?

Matches (Post Sachin’s retirement)	Runs	Average	100s	50s
20	1529	43.15	3	9

Rating: 8/10

One must go beyond the numbers to assess Vijay’s true impact on the squad. While maintaining very impressive numbers, it is the way that Vijay applied himself that really caught the eye.

In the Summer of 2014 in England, he was India’s highest run-getter and remained resolute at the top. While the rest of the team often struggled, he remained determined and maintained his focus throughout.

He followed that impressive display by performing remarkably well in Australia as well. Not more can be asked of an opener than to perform well in arguably the two most difficult countries to bat in, England and Australia.

As India tour West Indies, Vijay had enhanced his reputation as a solid opener and someone India can rely upon when the chips are down. However, he might just have to add another element to his game as he faces competition at the top with the emergence of KL Rahul.

While Murali Vijay fights for his place in the squad, there is no doubting the impact he has had since Sachin’s retirement.