India's toughest Test assignment of 2016, the home series against England is due to start next week and we won't blame you if you already have your preferred prediction in place. The last time India won a Test series against England was in 2008 when India chased down a historic 387-run target to clinch the two-match series.
Now, the Indian cricket team, under a new fresh and hungry captain in Virat Kohli, India will hope to put England in their place.
AP
On the other hand, England are coming to India on the backdrop of a stunning loss against Bangladesh in the final Test match at Mirpur. Their morale ahead of a gruelling 5-Test series against India isn't highest after the fourth rank team lost ten wickets in a session against the Tigers last week.?
Before the start of the first Test at Rajkot, here's a look at the five player battles to watch out for...
AFP
Needless to say, it is the battle of the captains and who will blink first under pressure.?
AFP
Arguably the most technically sound batsmen in their teams, a lot of success of their batting line-ups will depend on them. Pujara and Root will look to bat freely on slow turning wickets.
AFP
In a like-for-like comparison between the two, both have genuine abilities with bat and ball. Where Jadeja's spin has been nothing short of sensational this season at home, Moeen had the better of Indian batsmen when India toured England last in 2014.
AFP
The two pacers will headline the pace department. Both are decent exponents of the reverse swing, an aspect which will be vital in a long series. Shami and Broad can generate pace but the former will be more effective on Indian pitches.
AFP
And this final battle will most likely decide the series. Ashwin alone took 27 wickets in three Tests against New Zealand and the likelihood of him succeeding against the whole of England team remains high. If England can keep Ashwin at bay, they may have a chance but the offspinner will be prowling like a lion to dislodge the batsmen.