Kohli set to miss two more Tests against England

Rahul and Jadeja were India’s best batters in the first Test, though both missed out on centuries. Rahul filled in the No. 4 slot left vacant by Kohli, and his return now would boost the middle order, which was light on experience in Vizag.

Siraj back for third Test

The one confirmed returnee for the Rajkot Test is Siraj. The fast bowler, who had bowled 11 overs in the first Test defeat at his home ground in Hyderabad, was rested for the second Test for workload reasons.

The return of Siraj will be a boost for the bowling line-up, which relied on Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance to win the second Test.

The only bowler in the world to have reached the top of ICC rankings in all formats, Bumrah made a comeback from a back stress fracture starting with the World Cup last year.

Managing his workload will be a team management consideration, but he will likely play in the Rajkot Test next Thursday.

After losing the first Test – only their fourth defeat at home since the start of 2013 – India made a comeback in Vizag to level the five-Test series 1-1.

The next two Tests will be played back-to-back before the final Test in Dharamsala starting March 8. (ESPNcricinfo)