India vs England 2016: 5th Test - 5 talking points

#3 Lokesh Rahul keeping Gambhir and Dhawan out of Test Cricket

Rahul fell for 199

The form of Lokesh Rahul has meant that Gautam Gambhir and Shikhar Dhawan are virtually out of contention unless an injury to either him or Vijay brings one of them back in. The chances of that are also looking slim with Parthiv Patel playing some gutsy knocks as back-up opener.

Kohli even suggested using Patel as reserve batsman when Saha returns. The likelihood of including a reserve opener when Pujara and Patel could do the job seems slim, especially since Karun Nair's triple hundred makes for a crowded middle order.

Any injury to Vijay or Rahul is likely to be accompanied by a promotion for Pujara or Patel, and the inclusion of the reserve middle order batsman. Rahul's 199 means Dhawan and Gambhir are restricted to playing Ranji matches.