On turners, India will have to tackle a transition query

With no Kohli for the first two Tests, focus is on a batting unit that is inexperienced in facing a promising bowling attack on pitches aiding spin

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

On England's last Test tour of India in 2021, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane constituted the middle-order that took them on. With Pujara and Rahane eased out and Kohli unavailable for the first two Tests, India suddenly find themselves grappling with the transition question. Kohli has played 113 Tests, Pujara 103 and Rahane 85. It's an issue Indian cricket's decision-makers have feared for some time now -- how it will be for India after their long-time No.4?

It happened once, when Kohli missed three Tests in Australia in 2020 with the team 0-1 down after being skittled for 36. India then could fall back on Rahane and Pujara. The two shouldered the task of guiding the young players, scripting a win against all odds. This time, even if one of them is recalled as Kohli's replacement, it will be temporary. The lack of experience in the batting line-up sticks out as India go into the first Test starting here on Thursday.

Skipper Rohit Sharma is India's most seasoned batter with 54 Tests, but at 36 he is also looking at maximum the current World Test Championship cycle. KL Rahul, 31, is likely to bat at Kohli's spot in the first Test starting on Thursday, but after 49 Tests he averages a modest 33.60. For a smooth transition, it puts the focus on Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer.