1. Joe Root
One of the Best visiting batters to play in Indian conditions in the last 6-7 years. Root scored a magnificent Double-hundred against India in Chennai in 2021. Which helped England defeat India in the 1st test of the 2021 series. He ended up being the Top run-getter of the series, scoring 368 runs with an average of 46.00.
Root had even better numbers than the 2021 series, in 2016 when England toured India for 5 match test series. He was the 2nd leading run-getter of the series, with piling up 491 runs at an average of 49.10. Root excelled every time he played in Indian conditions, Indian bowlers picking his wicket might ease the contest.
2. Virat Kohli
The Master batter is unstoppable in his home conditions. Once he settles he gets to the big score and outwins the opponents. Kohli had an excellent campaign when England visited India in 2016. Where he scored two centuries and two fifties including a Double hundred. Kohli was named man of the series, he scored 655 runs with an outstanding average of 109.17.
Kohli had a mediocre series outing in the 2021 India vs England test series. In 2012, he scored only 188 runs in 7 innings, and in 2021 he 172 in 6 innings. Those numbers won’t affect Kohli’s current form and he will look to continue his form throughout this upcoming series. Kohli’s carnage can be stopped only by spinners, he has a poor track record against spinners. Likes of Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach will aim to pick Kohli’s wicket for cheap runs.
3. Rohit Sharma
Hitman is the best in business when it comes to Indian conditions, he has a tremendous record in India. Rohit Sharma has better average in test than any Indians in India, he averages 66.7 in 36 innings with scoring 2002 runs. He was the star performer and the one who carried team India on his shoulder to win the test series against England on India in 2021. Rohit Sharma scored 345 runs in 7 innings with an average of 57.5 and he was the leading run scorer for team India.
Rohit has proven himself whenever the pitch turns, he has played some memorable innings on slow pitch. Rohit’s amazing 161 runs knock in Chennai defines his ability to bat in turning conditions. When the Indian captain scores he scores big, Rohit will be the key player for India in the entire series.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravi Ashwin is an Unstoppable force in India, he can single-handedly demolish any visiting team’s batting unit. Ashwin is the Greatest of all time spinner in the last 8-9 years. He is been a consistent performer irrespective of any role. He is one of the best All-rounder ever produced for India and has 5 hundreds in his name. Ashwin’s wicket tally in India alone was 337 in 107 innings with a splendid bowling average of 20.9.
Ashwin was the man of the series in the 2021 India vs England series at home. He took 32 wickets in 8 innings with a bowling average of 14.7. His performances in the previous two visits of England in 2012 and 2016 to India were also extraordinary. Ashwin managed to pick up 14 wickets in 2012 and 28 wickets in the 2016 series.
5. Shreyas Iyer
Iyer joined the squad replacing Ajinkya Rahane considering the future of Indian cricket. He must look to prove his value to the team and show his consistency. Iyer’s ability to play spin well will help him get a good series against England. In a recent interview after a Ranji match, he showed interest in playing an attacking game against England in the upcoming series.
6. Rehan Ahmed
As a newcomer, Rehan Ahmed will be facing challenges to handle the pitch conditions. England will try to use the youngster as a trump card, Once he gets adopted to the conditions. He has already impressed the spectators by picking a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in his debut test. Rehan’s performance in this series will assure him a permanent ticket in the England squad.
7. Harry Brook
The Young talented batsmen has started dominating ever since he made his debut against South Africa in 2022. In 20 Test innings, Brook piled up 1181 runs at an average of 62.16, featuring six half-centuries and four centuries. His consistent performance and adaptability to challenging conditions position him as a key player to watch, raising expectations for another stellar display with the bat in the upcoming series against India.
8. Axar Patel
Axar started his career with an impressive bowling performance against England when they toured India in 2021. His total wicket tally in the 2021 India vs England test series is 27 in just 6 innings with an bowling average of 10.6. England batters had no clue against the left-arm, Axar with his arm-ball was vulnerable to face. He will try to repeat the same in the upcoming series. Axar’s contribution with the bat will be crucial for India to post a big total.
9. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi announced himself to International cricket by scoring 171 against West Indies last year. Youngster has scored 316 in 6 innings with an average of 45.14. Jaiswal will look to continue his form throughout the series. This is his maiden series in India, Jaiswal’s ability to play in turning conditions will be tested in this series. This will be a great opportunity for the youngster to secure his opening spot in the Indian Cricket team. Jaiswal’s aggressive nature will be a key for the Indian batting unit, he can score some quick runs in slow pitch.
10. Johnny Bairstow
Ever since England adopted Bazball, Bairstow has purely enjoyed his game and his intent ensured victory for his team. In the last two years, he scored 1383 runs in just 28 innings. Bairstow entering the contest with this kind of form will be a nightmare for Indian bowlers. He had an above-average series in 2016 when England toured India. There he scored 352 runs in 9 innings with an average of 44.00. Though he played only a few matches in 2021 and 2012, his intent will play a crucial role for England in the upcoming series.
