Will Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan win Test recall?
The selectors are likely to bring back fit-again pacer Zaheer Khan who is playing for Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy tie against Harayan at Lahli.
The Indian team for the two-Test series at home against West Indies will be picked on Tuesday.
While the focus of the series will be on Sachin Tendulkar who will retire after completing 200 Tests - he has currently played 198 - selectors are also likely to bring back fit-again fast bowler Zaheer Khan.
Zaheer has been out of the national team with injury and last played an international Test in December 2012, against England. The 35-year-old has since recovered from his injury and also underwent a grueling fitness training in France. He is even playing the current Ranji match between Mumbai and hosts Haryana.
As for India's batting, Cheteshwar Pujara is likely to be the biggest part of India's plans against West Indies. With an average of over 65 from 13 Tests, the 25-year-old is likely to make a big impact.
Out-of-form opener Virender Sehwag may also get a look in keeping in mind India's overseas tours in next 12 months. Sehwag scored only 27 runs in his last two Tests - against Australia at home earlier this year. After losing his place from the Indian team, Virender Sehwag had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he would like to bat in the middle order.
However, his decision to bat in the middle-order did no good for Sehwag as he failed to contribute with the bat for India A against the touring West Indies A side a few weeks back. But his Delhi teammate Gautam Gambhir cracked a century in third unofficial Test against West Indies A.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly says Sehwag and Zaheer are must in the Indian Test team. "They must be immediately brought back. Don't forget India will play 13 Tests overseas and you need players with pedigree and experience in those conditions. And Sehwag and Zaheer have those qualities," said Ganguly.
Opponents West Indies have already arrived in India for the Tests. Kirk Edwards and wicketkeeper-batsman Chadwick Walton were included previously and the visitors will be hoping to spring an upset at least against a strong Indian unit.
The Caribbean side will play its practice game against Uttar Pradesh from October 31 to November 2 which has been shifted to Kolkata from Cuttack due to torrential rains that also forced the abandonment of fifth ODI between India and Australia last week.
The three-day warm-up will be played at Kolkata's Jadhavpur University ground. The first Test between India and West Indies to be played at Eden Gardens from November 6 to 10.