5 Reasons why Murali Vijay should be first choice opener
Murali Vijay scored a remarkable century against Sri Lanka in the second Test at Nagpur, and sent a timely reminder about his prowess as an opening batsman.
He played out the tough period and negated any threat from the Sri Lankan attack before making merry. Using his wrists and his feet beautifully, he scored 128 off 221 balls.
Vijay was surprisingly dropped from 1st Test, as he was in good touch and already scored 140 runs in Ranji game, before coming into this series. If India need to play well in overseas tours, he holds the key to success.
#5 Experienced opener
Murali Vijay made his Test debut in 2008 against Australia and was the reserve opener after Sehwag and Gambhir. Vijay became regular opener post 2013 when both the openers were dropped due to poor form.
Before 2013, Vijay had just one hundred and 2 half-centuries in 12 Tests. After getting another opportunity in 2013, he scored 2935 runs in 40 Tests at an average of 43.66, with 9 hundreds and 13 half-centuries to his name.
Murali Vijay, along with Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli, have been the three lynch-pins of the Indian batting contingent in Tests, and have played crucial roles in some of the famous Indian victories, both at home and away from home.