IND vs ENG: Who will fill in KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer's shoes for Rajkot Test

The two Tests between India and England were done and dusted with each team having their say in the first and second meetings. Both teams are prepping for the third Test, slated to be held in Rajkot on February 15.

India suffered a blow after KL Rahul was ruled out of the third Test owing to a sore knee. The Bengaluru-born cricketer’s absence further complicates things for India as far as the middle-order department is concerned.

While Devdutt Padikkal - the promising young top-order batter from Karnataka - has been named as KL Rahul’s replacement, the youngster wouldn’t be given the wings to fly, not just yet.

On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer has been dropped from the team owing to a string of low scores. With that being the case, the Indian think-tank will turn to the fresh candidates who are willing to make a case for themselves in the middle-order for the upcoming Test.

Team India's Middle Order Options in Rajkot Test

1. Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz Khan has long been waiting to make his debut for India. Despite earning a call-up for the Vizag Test, he was not drafted into the starting 11 but entered the field as a substitute fielder after Shubman Gill sustained an injury to his right index finger. His recent form and performances are just more than enough for him to earn a place in the playing XI.

The Indian team management will probably experiment with him at No.4. For the record, the 26-year-old was part of the India A squad that played against England Lions in 3 tour matches ahead of the ongoing Test series. It is worth noting that he registered fifty-plus scores - 96, 4, 55, and 161 across 4 innings.

2. Rajat Patidar: Rajat Patidar made his Test debut in the second Test against England in Vizag. While he started the first innings quite confidently, he mustered 32 runs (3 fours) before falling prey to Rehan Ahmed’s bowling. However, the Indore-born was frightened of his own shadow in the second innings as he managed to score 9 runs before he was dismissed by the same bowler.

After having made his debut, the right-handed batter has perhaps just started to get the hang of things and he will still be given another opportunity to make a statement at No.5 for the upcoming Test, which is a couple of days away from getting underway.

3. KS Bharat: India’s wicketkeeper-batsman KL Bharat hasn’t quite made solid impressions with the bat so far in the ongoing series. While he has shown a great deal of experience in keeping the wickets, his batting form is just starting to lose sheen.

Nevertheless, the Indian think-tank will still rely on his services in the upcoming Test. With KL Rahul ruled out of the Rajkot Test, the selectors will be keeping a tab on KS Bharat and the latter will be looking to up the ante and lead the middle-order unit by example. Promoting him at No.6 might give him the confidence to dictate the terms.