SARFARAZ VS RAHUL FOR ONE SPOT

AT any given point of time, at least one Indian middle-order batter is in constant scrutiny. Over the last few years, that particular mantle has been occupied by the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill. It's now time for this particular spotlight to shine on KL Rahul.

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN @ Pune

While he has only recently come back to the middle order after a fairly okay career at the top between 2015-22, the Karnataka batter knows the fight is on.

The first time he played at No 6 was on his debut against Australia at the MCG many moons ago when he made 3. The next time he was carded at No. 6, he made a sparkling 101 against South Africa at Centurion at the back end of last year.

Since that innings, though, the returns have slowly but surely dried up. There have been a couple of half-centuries but when the competition is intense, below-par returns only increase the pressure. 4, 8, 16, 22 n.o, 68, 0 and 12 (while playing four drop) and 86 and 22 (while playing two drop against England in the absence of Virat Kohli) is not the most inspiring sequences of all time.