3 tough selection decisions India need to make ahead of the First Test 

#1 Shikhar Dhawan or KL Rahul

One of the toughest call that the Indian team management will have to take will be to decide between KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan. While Murali Vijay is all set to open at Birmingham, his opening partner is yet to be decided. Dhawan is coming off a brilliant hundred in his last Test against Afghanistan, and his attacking game might unsettle the English bowler, while Rahul has been in good form in the tour and looks to be in an excellent frame of mind. So who will it be? Dhawan or Rahul?

KL Rahul might get the nod ahead of Dhawan

Writer's take

Rahul seems to have an upper hand over Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan's doesn't have a good record in overseas conditions as his technique has often been exposed. He also bagged a pair in the practice game against Essex. While Rahul's technique is superior as compared to Dhawan and is likely to be preferred over Dhawan.

Both these batsmen can be in the playing XI if India decides to play Rahul at number 3 by dropping Pujara. But it is highly unlikely that they would tinker with the middle order.