Ishant Sharma has been the leader of India's pace attack for quite some time now and could get the nod for the match at Kanpur in the absence of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. But Mohammed Siraj has impressed with his ability to bowl long and accurate spells and Umesh Yadav's performance in England and record at home means these two pacers also make a good case for selection in the playing XI.
Also, Axar Patel was at his devastating best against England and it will be interesting to see if he gets a go alongside the veteran spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
India have a long unbeaten streak in home Test series and Rahane would want to hand a series lead to Virat Kohli, when he returns for the second Test in Mumbai.
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