Irani Cup holds a lot of importance for many players as some spots in the Indian Test squad is up for grabs and a good performance in the match can help them put forth their claim for those positions.

Here we bring before you the players who are eying a berth in Team India, based on their performance in Irani Cup:

Suresh Raina: He has always been a strong contender for Test spot and his recent form speaks volume of his talent. He had already cleared that playing Test matches is his ultimate aim and he is very well prepared for it. It is hard to find good players like VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly but rather than waiting for someone like them to come, it will be better to use someone who has played more than 150 ODIs at that position.

Harbhajan Singh: He became the soft target during the Test series against England where he played just one match and then was dropped. He had proved himself in Ranji and he is all set to make his comeback in upcoming Test series against Australia. His terrific record against Australia will always give him an edge when it comes to team selection.

S.Sressanth: He has been in and out of the team because of his injuries. But now he is back to prove his mettle. He has been looking in good touch with the ball in the Ranji matches he played for his team. He is back in his fast bowling boots and ready to play for India if given a chance.

Manoj Tiwary: He is one such player who has been kept out of the team not because of his own form, but to make way for some more illustrious senior or due to some superlative performances from some seniors vying for the same spot. He has been a consistent performer in the domestic scene and whenever he has been given a chance in the ODIs, he has come out good. With the fragile batting line-up at present, Tiwary must be fathoming his chances of making it big.

Murali Vijay: Vijay has been one of the most prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket. He is a big hitter of cricket ball and has all the shots in his armory and is great to watch when in full flow. He already has given a hint of his intention with a century knock in the first innings and with the opener’s slot for grabs, Vijay will be hoping to change the tide in his favour.

Abhishek Nayar: One of the costliest players of IPL, he is leading the Mumbai team in absence of Ajit Agarkar. He has been a real match winner for Mumbai and is back on the field to showcase his all-round abilities. His bowling spells have always frustrated the opposition and his habit of making batsmen drive makes him a very exciting player. His utility as a fielder and lower order batsman makes him quite valuable. A good performance can get him the selectors’ favour.

Wasim Jaffer: His recent batting form has been terrific and if he scores well in the Irani trophy then you never know the selectors’ mind. They are already looking for opening batsmen because of the poor form of Virender Sehwag Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.  Jaffer, who has already played few Test matches in his career, can be a replacement for that slot, even if it's for the time being.

Ishwar Pandey:  He is one of the youngsters who did very well in the Ranji trophy. He picked up 48 wickets in this season and his ability to bowl long spells with consistent pace makes him an ideal bowler for Indian pitches. A good performance can get him a chance in the squad.

By Amit Chopra
Indian Sports News Network