5 players who could have replaced Murali Vijay instead of Shikhar Dhawan

#2 Parthiv Patel

Parthiv offers flexibility

After impressive performances in the domestic circuit, Parthiv Patel emerged from the wilderness to replace the injured Wriddhiman Saha during the Test series against England. He was brilliant too, scoring two fifties in three Tests in which he averaged 65. But he hasn't made an appearance since then.

The 32-year-old wicketkeeper batsman showed that he is more than an able understudy for Saha. With no other keepers in the squad that will tour Sri Lanka, it was surprising to see Parthiv overlooked. Partly due to the balance that he brings to the side and also to the experience that he has.

Capable of opening the innings as he showed against England or playing in the middle-order, he would have been an ideal addition to the side. Especially considering that there is no replacement for Saha in the current squad.