Indian players to watch as England head to Chennai

Ahead of England’s tour of India, which begins 5 February, we pick out the stars of an impressive Indian side that just won in Australia. The No.2 ranked Test side is stocked with talent, but here are six players to keep an eye on.

Shubman Gill 

We start at the top the the order with a right-hand opening batsmen, who announced his arrival with a solid debut down under.

Should England fans be worried? Yes. A lot. This guy has all the hallmarks of a player that is going to reach the very top of game. Eventually, he’ll sit in the bracket reserved for the likes of Steve Smith and Kane Williamson.

The 21-year-old was rarely troubled by a fearsome Aussie bowling quartet, accumulating 259 runs at an average of 51.80. The highlight a wonderful 91, that saw Gill drive, pull and cut Cummins, Starc and Halewood to all parts of the Gabba.

This series, I’d be surprised if Gill fails to register a maiden test century now he is back on home soil.

#TeamIndia captain @imVkohli speaks about the role @ImRo45 and @RealShubmanGill will play at the top of the batting order in the @Paytm Test series against England. #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/3oOVjzyq8L

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 4, 2021

Virat Kohli

The India captain lost the first test, returned home and watched stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane take a side bowled out for 36 to one that became the first side to win at the Gabba since 1988 – in less than four weeks.

Whilst, I can’t speak for Kohli I assume that as happy as he was for India’s success, there was probably a sense of bewilderment as to how everything so quickly positivity transformed after his departure.

Naturally, questions remain over his captaincy. And, it will be interesting to see how Kohli responds to the pressurised return. We expect runs, but it’s Kohli, he loves the spotlight. He’s buzzing for the Channel 4 coverage – let’s be honest. No doubts that the 32-year-old will hold the pose for far too long as an expansive cover drive to the boundary brings up his third century of the tour.

Jaspit Bumrah

The best all-format bowler in the world.  Since his debut in 2018, Bumrah averages 21.96 with the ball. 21.96. Madness.

A mix of searing pace and late swing will be on show in India. To be honest. I don’t have more to say. I could describe his bowling, but I recommend flicking to Channel 4 to see it for yourself.

Cheteshwar Pujara.

In his 81 tests, Pujara has hit over 6000 runs including 18 three-figure scores. But, you’re going to moan because he does it too slowly?

Sure, he may not be the most fluid batsmen around, but Pujara’s unmistakable ability to occupy the crease is expected to frustrate (me) England throughout the series.

Whilst a 148-run fourth-wicket stand with Pant helped India bat out 131 overs to draw the 3rd test, it was Pujara’s 56 at the Gabba that showed his brilliantly determined resistance as India won the series. He was battered, bruised and kept bouncing back.

India host England in a four Test series that begins on 5 February (Credits @BCCI)

Rishabh Pant 

I just love watching him bat. He is such a talent. Once people stop talking about his keeping (which is actually fine) you’ll notice what he brings to the team.

In this series, you know that at 330-4 – Pant is going to come in and score a run-a-ball hundred. You’ll hate him for the audacity as he smashes Leach for yet another six and takes Moeen Ali’s economy rate to just over 7.00, but you’ll have to applaud the knock. Quietly, but you’ll applaud.

Snapshots from #TeamIndia's training session ?#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/4sWov8sltM

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 3, 2021

Axar Patel 

The left-arm spinner is yet to play a Test match for India, but I expect the 27-year-old to feature in at least one of the first two Tests. England’s troubles against left-arm spin were woefully exposed by Lasith Embuldeniya, who took 15 wickets  (55% off all the English wickets came of his bowling).

In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, who will miss the first two tests after fracturing his thumb mid-way through the Australia tour, Patel could be given a chance on the Test arena, having racked up nearly 50 caps in white-ball cricket. Left arm spin, for the win – well, England’s loss.

With both sides still fighting for a spot in the Test World Championship, the series will be a fascinating watch. Most importantly cricket returns to terrestrial TV. Channel 4 and Mambo No.5. Set your alarms, for an early start.