Such has been India's domination at home in Tests of late that all a visiting team can hope for is to draw a Test match at best. Even a drawn series is a massive boost for a visiting side these days in India.
Given the current situation, we have gone the extra mile to put together a World XI which includes the best Test players who can give a shot at trying to trump India at home.
Dimuth Karunaratne
The Sri Lankan opener has been a steady presence at the top in Test cricket of late. A sturdy batsman with a strong defensive technique, Karunaratne is a good player of pace and spin and, in particular, a fine second innings batsman. As such, in India, he is a first-choice opener.
Dean Elgar
While South Africa has struggled in India this series, Dean Elgar has been a dominating presence with his handling of Ashwin and Jadeja standing out. He will partner Karunaratne at the top for the world XI.
Kane Williamson (Captain)
The New Zealand skipper endured a poor Sri Lankan tour recently but his overall numbers in Asia and incredible temperament makes him an ideal candidate at No.3 for a series like this. Given how well he has led the Kiwis in all formats, Williamson is a sure shot presence in this team and the one who should lead the side.
Steven Smith
The World's No.1 batsman, Steven Smith made a stunning second innings hundred at Pune in 2017 to help Australia to a win in India. That remains India's last loss at home in a Test match. After his incredible Ashes, there can be no world XI without Smith and combined with his record in India, he is a no-brainer in the team.
Ben Stokes
With a massive temperament and a penchant for big knocks in crucial situations, Ben Stokes is an ideal middle-order batsman to have. He can take on the spinners to disrupt their rhythm and can also play the anchor role if needed. Add in his hit-the-deck bowling and ability to generate reverse swing, Stokes is a must pick for this team.
BJ Watling (WK)
While Wriddhiman Saha pushed his claim as best Test keeper, one name that has often flown under the radar is that of BJ Watling. The New Zealand keeper showed in Sri Lanka earlier this year that he can come good in Asian conditions. Although Tom Latham and Mushfiqur Rahim are strong contenders in this team as keeper, Watling remains the No. 1 pick.
Shakib Al Hasan
A spin bowling all-rounder of the quality of Shakib Al Hasan cannot be kept out of a World XI and in conditions where his batting and spin bowling are exceptional, Shakib is a sure shot pick. He will act as a primary spinner and mainstream all-rounder in this World XI.
Roston Chase
Roston Chase has an incredible record against India with the ball and is also an able batsman down the order in slow and low conditions. If at all Chase has a weakness, it is against pace but on Indian surfaces, the West Indian should enjoy batting. If the wicket is a harder one, he can be replaced by another West Indian all-rounder, Jason Holder.
Pat Cummins
Cummins had an incredible tour of India in 2017 and has established himself as an all-condition bowler. The Australian can swing the new ball upfront, hit the hard lengths and also bounce out batsmen in these conditions. He will lead the World XI’s bowling attack.
Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon and Steven O'Keefe played a major role in trumping India at Pune two years back and the off-spinner, who generates sharp turn and bounce on turners, is a must-have in a World XI tour of India. The off-spinner will have Shakib and Chase to support him in the department.
Kagiso Rabada
Despite an average outing in India this time, South Africa's strike bowler is a fantastic addition to this World XI. With Ben Stokes and Pat Cummins to aid him, Rabada will be much more potent and his old ball spells, in particular, will be handy in these conditions. He and Cummins will start off proceedings for the World XI in India.
Featured image courtesy: AFP / Ian Kington
