India vs England: Without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Who will be India's Best Bet in Middle Order?

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India's upcoming Test series against England won't just be the start of a new WTC cycle, but a new chapter in Indian cricket.

The five-match Test series starts from June 20 and the team will have to step up amid the strong wind of change, which has graced the side in recent times.

Two stalwarts of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, announced their retirements from Test format last month, leaving a huge gap in India's batting stance. Shubman Gill is appointed as the new captain in the red ball format, while a few novel names, such as Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran have emerged in the squad.

India's recent performances in England have had a mixed outcome. The team has had their humiliation in the past but they have recovered in most recent outings. Batting possesses a huge challenge amid English conditions, and the Indian team will have to be wary of that. They do have a strong top order, but the middle order will be equally crucial for the visitors, with no Virat Kohli or Ajinkya Rahane in the mix.

India's Middle Order Guardians

KL Rahul

Versatile and seasoned, KL Rahul brings experience from prior English tours, notably scoring 148 at The Oval in 2021. Having shifted down to No. 4, his ability to anchor or accelerate makes him an invaluable middle-order linchpin. He is composed under pressure, adept at rotating strike, and filling in as emergency keeper-he stabilizes the batting lineup in crisis situations. His calm, strategic temperament offers steadiness if early wickets fall, ensuring the innings stays on track. The batter has made a decent start in the practice matches, and a lot will hinge on his willow.

Karun Nair

Karun Nair's fairytale has taken a complete circle and he will be imperative for India's fortunes. After a stellar season in domestic cricket, Nair was selected for the England tour, and he did justice to his selection with a fantastic 200 in the first practice match for India A against the England Lions. Nair's ability to grind out bowling and strong skillset make him a pivotal part of this Indian team. His county experience will also play a big part as India takes the voyage.

Rishabh Pant

India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant is perhaps the biggest match-winner with the bat in recent times, especially in Test cricket. The southpaw has emerged to be a champion with the bat and his previous English joyrides make Pant even more valuable in the series. The Delhi player has two centuries on English soils and has more than 500 runs, with the last three innings all being at least a half-century.

If India are to pose a threat to England in this series, Pant's role will be mammoth. His ability to counter bowling, take the attack will be crucial for the away side in the series.

Who will be India's Biggest Bet in Middle Order?

KL Rahul is undoubtedly India's safest bet in the middle order for the England Tests. His recent form is hard to ignore, reflecting his ability to flourish in challenging English conditions. Additionally, his stellar record against England and multiple centuries abroad underscores his calibre under pressure. But make no mistake, Karun Nair and Rishabh Pant will have gigantic roles in the middle order, as it goes without saying.