Back in the zone

Since Sachin8217;s fitness status is unknown, it8217;s time for replacements to put their hands up. And Kaif is first in the queue. Has already had fruitful Deodhar and Challenger Trophies. A good run in the big one will shut the door on the other hopefuls

Gautam Gambhir North

There8217;s a faint question-mark over who will partner Sehwag in the Tests against Pakistan; Gambhir8217;s task will be to wipe that out once and for all. He has the chance against one of India8217;s best attacks featuring West Zone captain Zaheer Khan

Yuvraj Singh North

He wants to bat in the middle-order and, finally, so does his captain. All that8217;s needed is some runs. Here then comes his best chance to overtake Kaif for that slot

Ashish Nehra North

Just back from injury, not yet hit his full stride. During the Deodhar in Mumbai the batsmen found him easy to handle. With Irfan8217;s and Balaji8217;s fitness yet to be tested fully, this is his chance to reclaim that new ball for India with Zaheer

Zaheer Khan West

Currently on fire, needs some long spells in a first-class match to keep the rhythm going. Was the best bowler in Deodhar but is still susceptible to breakdown from overload. So needs to keep a check on the number of overs he8217;s bowling

Parthiv Patel West

The chairman of selectors has noted his improvement, now it8217;s time for some results. What better than keeping in the first star-studded first-class match of the season? Every move of his will be scanned and if he does well, it may force Dinesh Kaarthick to raise his game