Cricket News: India VS West Indies - Three Players to watch out 

The India tour of the West Indies has seen five leading senior players absent, and their immediate second-best choices got the chance to prove themselves. In this ODI series, three players genuinely need to prove themselves without senior staff for future potential selections.

Shardul Thakur

In the absence of Hardik Pandya as an all-rounder, Shardul Thakur rose to fame with his impressive all-around skills in IPL and the international fixtures played. He is among the five pacers among the 16-member squad for West Indies and is arguably the only pacer who can show some skills with the bat. The emergence of Hardik Pandya as a complete all-rounder has put Shardul Thakur's capabilities in the backseat. Knowing the situation, he even admitted that his job in the Indian Test side and other format is to make an impact when the main bowlers are on a break. So, this ODI series will be an excellent opportunity for him to display his mark here apart from the red-ball format. 

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer emerged as one of the most promising youngsters while he captained Delhi Capitals. His leadership skills and cool and calm exposure highlighted him as the potential future captain for team India. But after his injury, his revival and inclusion in the Indian team depended on the availability of other first-choice players. 

Opponents have lately exploited Shreyas Iyer's weakness against short balls. New Zealand former all-rounder Scott Styris said, "It's now up to Shreyas Iyer to find a way to succeed against that style of bowling. If he can do that, then I think he's one of the first names you write down in that Indian side." His performance on this tour will be crucial considering the World Cup's selection possibilities. 

Axar Patel 

Axar Patel, in the last few months, has failed to contribute as significantly to the Indian side as he did early this year. He is a consistent wicket-taking bowler but not promising with the bat. In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, his cut into playing XI is comparatively difficult in the presence of Deepak Hooda. Deepak Hooda's value has risen after a terrific IPL and spell-bounding international debut. Apart from being a prolific hitter against spinners, he is a great bowling option, chipping out a few silent overs. Thus, if Axar Patel gets a chance, he will be under much pressure and scrutiny for proving himself. 

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