ICC World T20: Will Pawan Negi trump Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey to make the playing XI against West Indies?

New Delhi: With the injury to Yuvraj Singh, the Indian think-tank have some serious options, who could go out and make their presence felt in a crucial semi-final encounter against West Indies at the Wankhede, Mumbai, at the ongoing ICC World Twenty20.

Although Yuvraj's injury serves a major blow to India, it also gives individuals chances, who can show their mettle against a starry Windies outfit. India have to choose one player from the three options they have under their belt, who can go on to replace the veteran southpaw.

There is expected to be a close call between the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey and Pawan Negi. With Rahane and Pandey both being genuine batsmen, Negi gives skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni variety with his bowling and hard-hitting attributes down the order.

Negi could come in at No. 7 or 8 to bat and would be handy with left-arm spin bowling. The youngster has been in the Indian side since the Asia Cup this year and has played a solitary game in this span.

What Negi can be lacking is experience, and in a massive clash whether his skipper will give him the cut or not, will be an interesting thing to see. Another factor will be Chris Gayle, who relishes left-arm spinners and Dhoni taking the risk would be a brave call.

Meanwhile, both Pandey and Rahane had intense net session on Monday evening. Rahane's immense experience and Pandey's good form could also tempt Dhoni to go ahead with either one of these two players.

But Negi could just be the person to replace Yuvraj, given his all-round skills.