India vs England: Five Key Players for India – India outplayed the England team in all departments. It was a brilliant performance by team India who played aggressive and positive cricket. All the pitches in the test series were played on good cricketing wickets which did not turn square. India won their first test series win over England after 8 years. Every player contributed in times of crisis and won the match for India. Here we look at the five key players which resulted in 4-0 win for Men in Blue.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli showed his class with bat in this test series against England. In 2014, Virat Kohli struggled against England in England but since then he has transformed into one of the best batsmen in the world at the present moment. In the first test match at Rajkot he scored 40 and a match saving 49 in the second innings. After that there was no looking back for Kohli scoring runs in every match. He scored 167 and 81 in the second test match at Vizag, in Mohali, Kohli contributed with 62.
In the fourth test match at Mumbai, England scored 400 but Kohli showed his class scoring his 3rd double century in the year. He failed in the final test match at Chennai scoring only 15 runs. Overall, the Indian test captain scored 655 runs in 8 innings with 2 half centuries and 2 centuries. His average in the series was 109.16 with the best score of 235 at Mumbai. For his brilliant performance with the bat, he was named as the man of series.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin also played a key role in India’s 4-0 win over England in the test series. Before this series started his performance against England was poor. In the first test match at Rajkot, he picked only 3 wickets. After a poor performance in the first test match, Ashwin showed his class with the ball taking 25 wickets in the next four test matches.
With the bat he contributed vital runs in the lower order scoring 306 runs which shows the value of all-rounder in the team. He troubled the England batsmen with flight and variations. In total he 5 wickets in an innings thrice and 10 wickets in a match only once.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja also showed his credentials with the bat and ball. With the ball he picked 26 wickets in total bowling with lot of control. He dismissed England captain Alistar Cook 6 times in the series. He and Ashwin put consistent pressure on the England batting line up not allowing them to score runs with ease.
Also with bat he scored crucial runs. In the third test match at Mohali he scored 90 runs when Indian team was struggling at 204 for 6. At Chennai, he scored 50 runs and also picked 10 wickets in the match which led to India winning the series 4-0.
Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami did a brilliant job with the ball for Virat Kohli. He bowled with lot of pace and control. It was pleasing sight to see an Indian fast bowler bouncing out England fast bowler. His performance in the first test match was not up to the mark. In the next two test matches at Vizag and Mohali were outstanding picking important wickets.
He picked 10 wickets in 3 matches and did not play the 4th and 5th test match due to an injury. It was an impressive performance by Mohammad Shami who unsettled the English batsmen with good pace and reverse swing.
Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara also contributed to team success in the test series. He came at number 3 early and put up partnerships which helped them to recover from shaky positions. In the first 3 test matches, the Indian openers failed to put any stands.
Cheteshwar Pujara scored 401 runs in 8 innings with 2 centuries and 1 half century. His solid technique and ability to play big strokes showed his class with the bat
