India vs West Indies, 2nd Test: KL Rahul Replaces Injured Murali Vijay

The Virat Kohli-era has begun in style. After a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka and a 3-0 series win at home against South Africa, Kohli has carried his good form to the West Indies as India took a 1-0 lead in the four-match series with a record innings and 92-run in Antigua.

Heading into the Jamaica Test, Kohli will be aiming for another record. India have not won two or more Tests outside of the sub-continent since 1986, when they won two Tests in England. With West Indies in poor form, India are favourites to make it 2-0 heading into Sabina Park. However, they will have to encounter some wet weather, with rain forecast for four out of five days.

Meanwhile, Indian opener Murali Vijay has been ruled out of the second Test due to a thumb injury. KL Rahul, the back-up opener in the side, will replace Vijay and partner Shikhar Dhawan upfront.

India Put In Complete Performance

Barring Murali Vijay's failure with the bat, the rest of the Indian team put up a magnificent show. Kohli's maiden Test double ton, R Ashwin's all-round show, Shikhar Dhawan's solid 84 and some fine bowling from Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami, who took four wickets each, gave India the edge.

The batting looks in great touch with Kohi continuing on his magnificent form. His maiden double hundred in Tests has ticked off yet another box in his illustrious career and he looks unstoppable. Ashwin's all-round feat has given India depth and variety and West Indies have continued to stumble against his guile.

Problems Galore For West Indies

For West Indies, the bowling and batting failed in Antigua. Barring Marlon Samuels, none of the other batsmen contributed. The bowling was pedestrian but they will be buoyed by the presence of a green pitch at Sabina Park. West Indies have increased their pace option by bringing in Alzarri Joseph, who starred in the recent U-19 World Cup with 13 wickets in six games. Joseph picked up 3/39 in the final against India and he will be aiming to make an impression.

India's Likely XI

Murali Vijay, who suffered a thumb injury in the first Test, could miss the match and KL Rahul could come in. With the pitch reportedly spotting a green look, India might look to play four pacers. Kohli could go in with Stuart Binny, who provides him a medium-pace option as well as adds to the lower middle-order.


Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami

West Indies Likely XI

With the pitch slated to be green, fast and bouncy, West Indies might go in with four pacers.

Kraigg Brathwaite, Rajendra Chandrika, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Devendra Bishoo

Telling Stat

Before 2002, India never won a match in Sabina Park. In the last two Tests played at the venue, India have won a Test which has led to a series win.

Chances of rain in Jamaica

Saturday: 90%

Sunday: 40%

Monday: 90%

Tuesday: 60%

Wednesday: 30%

Quotes

"I always have to contribute and play with responsibility. I have spoken with Anil Kumble too, and he told me a few things about my batting." - Cheteshwar Pujara on his recent slump away from home

"We have to be ruthless and play positive cricket. The rest we have to assess as to how the game progresses and plan according to situation" - Ishant Sharma on India's attitude