England vs India 2014: Five players key to India's chances of victory

A Test series for India against England, in England, is always hugely challenging, illustrated by the fact that India have managed to win just the 5 Test matches from a total of 52 Test matches that they have played there. Given thats the case, if India are to improve their Test record in England, who are the players that could play a key role in the Test series?India have picked an 18-man squad for the Tests, and given the longevity of the tour, theres no doubt that each one of the 18 will have to contribute at some stage or another. But here are 5 players who, I think, will have to play a critical role for India to even entertain thoughts of a series victory.

#5 Ishant Sharma

You’d be surprised to hear that Ishant Sharma is one of only 3 members, in the current squad, to have previously played a Test in England, the other two being MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir. It is a surprise only because he still gets away, for his poor performances, with the excuse that he is still learning at the international level.

He has already played more than 50 Tests, and it is high time that he starts justifying the amount of chances he has got. He did get reasonable returns against New Zealand in the Test series in February-March and he needs to build on that. Despite his moderate international record, he has the potential to be playing a critical role in England.

Due to his height, he is capable of extracting disconcerting bounce for the batsmen. While that is well and good, he needs to make good use of those attributes by consistently hitting a good line and length. If he does so, he will not only succeed in causing havoc for the England batsmen but also in rewarding the undying faith of his captain MS Dhoni.