England vs India 2018: Three players team India must NOT drop for the third Test

3. Ajinkya Rahane

The vice-captain's form with the bat is depressing. The Mumbaikar has scored only 48 runs in the two Tests at a paltry average of 12. He was the team's most consistent performer on their previous overseas season from December 2013 to January 2015. But his average has dropped about ten runs per innings since 2016 from 51.37 to 41.42.

Rahane forms the backbone of India's middle order and lower-middle order. He has the skill set that is required to survive and score runs in these conditions. If he manages to find his lost touch with the bat, he can play match-defining knocks.

Rahane showed signs of returning back to from earlier this year against South Africa. His crucial 48 in the second innings on a difficult pitch helped India win the third Test match at Johannesburg.

“Mental discipline will be the key as far as the batsmen are concerned. He (Ajinkya Rahane) is one of our pillars and he will remain so,” Ravi Shastri told the media ahead of the third Test. Rahane's grit and determination should help him leap above all the criticisms he is facing right now.

Ajinkya Rahane deserves a chance to prove his mettle with the blade once again. He has to hurry though. Time seems to be running out for him.