Aoba Tanaka 
India’s middle order showcased remarkable resilience on day two of the first Test against England, countering concerns about the absence of Virat Kohli. As KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, KS Bharat, and Axar Patel played pivotal roles, the team constructed a commanding lead of 175 runs, dismissing apprehensions about the impact of Kohli’s sudden withdrawal for personal reasons.
The last time Kohli missed a home Test in November 2021, Shreyas Iyer’s debut heroics held the middle order together. However, the high-profile series against England presented a different challenge. With the sudden development of Kohli’s withdrawal just days before the match, questions lingered about the middle order’s ability to withstand the pressure.
Day two unfolded at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, with Yashavi Jaiswal’s early dismissal opening the door for England. However, India’s middle order responded emphatically, with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge. Rahul’s nimble footwork and assured defense, coupled with Jadeja’s determination, contributed to critical partnerships.
While there were criticisms of dismissals, particularly Shubman Gill’s and KL Rahul’s in the deep, the middle order demonstrated a commitment to partnership building. Rahul’s successive fifty-plus stands with Iyer and Jadeja, followed by the latter’s half-century alliances with Bharat and Axar Patel, showcased the team’s resilience.
In a match where England’s spin attack posed a challenge, Rahul’s contribution held the top half together, while Jadeja shouldered the responsibility of the bottom half. The addition of Axar Patel in the XI, batting deep till No. 9, added strength to India’s lineup, dispelling concerns about the team’s ability to perform without Kohli.
While acknowledging Kohli’s irreplaceable stature, Rahul, Iyer, Jadeja, Bharat, and Axar have demonstrated that India’s middle order is more than capable of stepping up. The team’s performance on day two will likely please Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, affirming the depth and resilience of India’s batting lineup.
