After a convincing win in the first test at Antigua, the visitors were dented with a severe blow when their in-form opening batsman Murali Vijay was ruled out of the second test following his failure to recover from a thumb injury which he sustained during the first test trying to fend of a raising ball.

The Karnataka born, KL Rahul, is touted to replace the injured Vijay at the top of the order in a bid to provide assistance to Shikhar Dhawan who seems to be finding some form of late. Vijay's services will be dearly missed as the pitch for the second test is known to assist seam bowling and has a lot to offer for the pacers as compared to their spin contemporaries.

Over the past few years, Vijay has emerged as the first choice opener after his impressive performances at home and abroad alike. His temperament, resilience and the way he goes about his innings has been lauded by the pundits of the cricketing world and this development is sure to hit India badly.

Rahul, on the other hand has had a good start to his career having smashed an unbeaten century in his maiden ODI, but against a rather meagre Zimbabwe side. It would be interesting to see how he rises up to this challenge and repay the confidence vested on him by the selectors.

This also provides a chance for Rahul to establish himself into the side and this series would sure provide a good learning curve for him and make him a better batsman in the times to come. Until then, one would only hope that Vijay recovers in time for the third test as his presence would boost the strength of the side multifold and also wish for Rahul to step in Vijay's shoes and perform well for the side in the second test.