India vs West Indies 1st Test: Key players in focus
What's the story
India and West Indies gear up for a two-match Test series, starting October 4.
After a long tour of England, the Men in Blue will be hoping to set things right and go all guns blazing at home.
Several players would look to make the opportunity count in the first Test in Rajkot.
Here we look at the same.
Mayank
Mayank Agarwal could provide solidity atop
Mayank has been amongst the runs since last season and his performances yielded results as he got his maiden national call-up.
He also struck 90 against West Indies recently for the Board President's XI.
His talent is immense and he has been a cut above the rest in the domestic circuit.
He could provide the foundation atop, which India lacked against England.
Kohli
Skipper Kohli is the pivotal asset for India
Virat Kohli has been the standout performer for India in Test cricket.
In 8 Tests in 2018, he has amassed 879 runs with 3 centuries and 4 fifties.
This is his first outing at home in Test cricket this season and expect the in-form player to come and steer the match away.
Further, his on-field decisions will be key for India's overall show.
Brathwaite
Brathwaite handy for Windies up the order
Kraigg Brathwaite needs to make it count for West Indies with the bat up the order.
He has played an important role since his debut.
But against India, he has to remain patient and work for runs.
He has the appetite for big innings and scored a gritty 52 in the warm-up game recently.
West Indies batsmen will hope to revolve around him.
Holder
Holder the vital cog in WI set-up
Jason Holder holds the fort for West Indies with his all-round attributes.
The skipper will look to bowl well and account for wickets.
He recently picked up a plethora of wickets against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
This will help him believe that he can get something out here against India.
Further, his leadership skills and bowling changes can alter the course of the game.