IND vs SL 2017, 2nd Test: India's Predicted XI

After coming agonisingly close to registering an unprecedented win in the first Test at the Eden Gardens, Team India will be looking to take the lead when it takes on Sri Lanka in the second game of the three-match series at Nagpur. The series-opener was looking destined to end in a tame draw when India set a 231-run target with just over a session remaining.

However, the hosts were not ready to throw in the towel yet as Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Co. had reduced the visitors to 75 for 7 before bad light ended the game as well as India’s hopes of registering a fantastic win. But with momentum of their side, the world number side will be looking to win the game in Nagpur.

So here we are taking a look at the possible lineup with which India can play the second game:

1. KL Rahul:

Rahul made amends for his duck in the first innings by playing a fine knock in the second innings. However, the right-handed batsman once again failed to convert a fifty into a century as he was dismissed for 79 in the second innings.

2. Murali Vijay:

With KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan scoring fine fifties at the Eden Gardens, Murali Vijay was looking set to sit on the bench in Nagpur too. However, with Dhawan pulling out of the game due to personal reasons, Vijay will play his first Test since the Dharamsala Test against Australia in March.

3. Cheteshwar Pujara:

The Saurashtra batsman was India’s most impressive batsman in the first innings, scoring a dodgy fifty when his team mates fell like a pack of cards on the tough wicket. Will be looking to score big in Nagpur.

4. Virat Kohli (c):

The India skipper proved his worth once again by scoring a sublime century in the second innings when the hosts were in a precarious position after the middle-order collapse. With form on his side, Kohli will be eyeing to guide his team to a win in Nagpur.

5. Ajinkya Rahane:

The Test vice-captain failed to deliver in both the innings and need to contribute in the upcoming Test. Rahane had also failed to deliver in the Ranji Trophy prior to the start of the series as he was dismissed for a duck twice in four innings.

6. Rohit Sharma:

With Bhuvneshwar Kumar pulling out of the upcoming game due to his wedding and the Nagpur pitch reportedly set to assist pacers, Rohit Sharma is looking primed to return to the Test team. The right-handed batsman has not played in the longest format of the game since the Indore Test last year against New Zealand. He had missed the better part of the home season after suffering a thigh injury during the ODI series against New Zealand.

7. Wriddhiman Saha (wk):

Just like most of the other Indian batsmen, Saha had also failed to deliver at the Eden Gardens. With India set to tour South Africa next year, Saha will be looking to regain his best form before the challenging tour.

8. Ravichandran Ashwin:

Ashwin had a nightmare at the Eden Gardens both with the bowl as well as the bat. The off-spinner had bowled just 8 overs in the first innings and failed to pick up a single wicket. Will be looking to come strong at Nagpur.

9. Ravindra Jadeja:

Just like Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja also failed to take any wicket at the Eden Gardens. He too will be desperate to make a big impression in the upcoming game.

10. Mohammed Shami:

Along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami was one of the most impressive performers in the first Test. He took six wickets in the game and had put India on the verge of an improbable win.

11. Umesh Yadav:

Umesh Yadav also had a good game at the Eden Gardens but he was erratic at times.  He managed to pick up three wickets and will be eyeing to do even well at his home ground.