England vs India 2018: Three players who repaid Kohli's faith

Ahead of the third test between England and India at Trent Bridge, we discussed three players who must not be dropped for the third test. Despite middling performances and indifferent form running up to the start of the test, we pointed out the reasons for them to be backed.

It turns out, the three players were indeed worth their weight in gold. Virat Kohli stuck to these crucial players and they delivered.

Let us review their performance in the third test. Also, we will have a brief look at what to expect from them going forward in the series.

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#1 Lokesh Rahul

Finally, India had a 50-plus opening stand. That too, twice in the same Test. This is only the third time this has happened for India in a Test match in England.

While 59 runs in a Test match is not an extraordinary performance by any means, KL Rahul showed signs of getting back to form. Especially his approach in the second innings was heartening where he looked positive from the word go. His 36 from 33 balls set the tone for the entire innings.

As soon as the openers get runs, the entire complexion of the game looks different. The confident start was capitalised by the batsman that followed and India as a batting unit clicked for the first time in the series. A lot of credit has to go for the team management for sticking to Rahul.

Rahul's biggest contribution in the match was in the field. He took seven catches in the slips - A record for any Indian fielder in England. eclipsing Virender Sehwag's six catches at Headingley in 2002. Given India's poor slip catching overseas, KL Rahul's performance should come as a relief to the team.

But for all his capabilities, Rahul must not be scoring 30s. There still seems to be some issue around the off stump line. If he can overcome this and bat long, India would have finally found an ideal opener who can score runs and catch at slips as well.

With Murali Vijay being already dropped in favour of Prithvi Shaw, it is up to Rahul to cement his place in the Test side.

#2 Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara is a very important player to team India's cause. The fragility of the Indian middle order in overseas conditions is well known. Pujara adds solidity to this batting line up and it was imperative for him to get back to form.

Pujara was always spending time in the middle. All he wanted was a good score to help his confidence. The 72 runs he scored in the second innings did not just that, but also in the process knocked England out of the game.

In the second innings, Pujara started with 25 off 26 balls. He shared a 51 run second wicket stand with Dhawan and followed it with a 113 run stand with Kohli for the third wicket. India did not lose a wicket in the first session of the third day, and they can thank Pujara's innings for that.

Nobody can play the grinding game as good as Pujara. He faced 208 balls for his 72 and some can call this slow. But in the context of the game, this innings was crucial. The England bowlers were made to work hard. The players on the field became tired. His innings made the English drained physically and mentally.

Pujara should not be criticized for the pace at which he plays. His role in the side is to do exactly that. And he is at his best only when he is playing that way.

#3 Ajinkya Rahane

The deputy skipper's 81 in the first innings was a highlight in India's victory. He was compact and precise at the crease. He showed everyone why he is India's "overseas specialist".

Virat Kohli needed support above and below him in the batting order. With the openers giving the team a decent start (and Pujara coming into his own in the second innings), it was the middle order's turn to turn up. In Rahane, Kohli found his perfect partner.

The pair added 159 runs for the fourth wicket and resurrected the innings after losing three quick wickets. It can very well turn out to be the turning point of the series.

Rahane also faced a solid 94 balls in the second innings while playing the grinding game. Suddenly the Indian batting line up looks imposing with the vice-captain striking form.

India's chances in the fourth test at Southampton relies heavily on the above mentioned three players. If they can improve on their performances from Trent Bridge, then Kohli will be a relieved man.