Rating India's Test cricketers in 2017

Rating: 8.5/10

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Test career took off in 2017

We're experiencing Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2.0, and it is a treat for the eyes and soul. Possessing remarkable control over the ball, and delivering it quicker than in the initial phase of his career, Bhuvneshwar is a serious threat with both the old ball and new. His Test career has been start-stop owing to injuries as well as the preference to spinners on home games, but has now emerged as a starting XI option due to his performances in the recent past.

Over the last three and a half years, Wriddhiman Saha has proven that he belongs to the big stage: there are hardly any skirmishes in his keeping technique, although his batting has been a tad inconsistent. In 2017, the Bengal player racked up 423 runs at an average of 42.30, with two hundreds and one fifty.

Murali 'Monk' Vijay had to battle a wrist surgery through a major chunk of 2017, but when he returned, he showed why exactly Team India fans missed him so badly. His composure on the crease is matched by none in Indian cricket, and that's what the team requires heavily at the top of the order. Since returning, he played six games and amassed 520 runs, including three centuries at an average of 53.60.

Shami will play a vital role for India in South Africa

When his troublesome knee is not bothering him, Mohammed Shami is India's best bet to eke out wickets even on drab surfaces. A handy exponent of swing bowling, Shami couldn't play more than five games for India, but picked up 19 wickets, and was Kohli's go-to man when the situation demanded.

He might be doubtful for the opening Test between India and South Africa, but a fit Shikhar Dhawan has been a boon for India, especially after making his comeback. Down and out after injuries and poor form, Dhawan bounced back admirably in the Champions Trophy, and was in top form in Sri Lanka. He ended the year with 550 runs from five games, at an average of 68.75.