India vs England 2016: 5 Takeaways for India from the Test series

#4 Intense competition for places

Karun Nair’s emergence should result in a tussle for batting spots

When the home season began, Rohit Sharma was the only reserve middle-order batsman in the squad with Kohli often preferring five bowling options. More than halfway into it, India now have a problem of plenty with Karun Nair’s rise resulting in an engrossing competition for batting spots.

The 25-year old was drafted into the playing eleven when Ajinkya Rahane suffered a finger injury ahead of the fourth Test. He promptly grabbed his chance and smashed an unbeaten 381-ball 303 in the final match of the series. With India playing a one-off Test against Bangladesh in February before the Aussies arrive for a 4-match series, coach Anil Kumble and the team management have a positive dilemma on their hands.