Rahul or Sarfaraz: Middle-order conundrum

Captain Rohit hints at senior batter’s return in the first Test against Bangladesh starting in Chennai on Thursday

- ASHOK VENUGOPAL

EVERY time a player comes back from an injury, there is a question of whether they walk into the team or the one who took their place and did well retains the place. More often than not, the former happens especially when the player has proven themselves and have years of experience. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, is facing such a question with the return of KL Rahul.

Rahul, who had become the designated No 5 early this year, got injured during the Test series against England. In his absence, Sarfaraz Khan came in and smashed 200 runs at an average of 50 and with a healthy strike rate of close to 80. Rahul’s return is likely to cause a headache for the team thinktank. When quizzed about how the team management goes about finalising the playing XI, captain Rohit Sharma hinted at Rahul’s return.