5 Indian players who have a point to prove in upcoming England series

Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane hasn’t been nearly as impressive in limited-overs as he is in Tests

There can be little doubt that Ajinkya Rahane has been one of India's best Test batsmen over the past few years. The right-hander has scored in every country that India has played in and all but established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet when the XI is being picked.

But the shorter formats, however, paint a completely different picture. Despite his impressive performances in the IPL as an opener for Rajasthan Royals and recently Rising Pune Supergiants, he hasn't quite been able to establish himself in either the ODI or T20I squad of late. While an established opening pair has meant he hasn't always played in his preferred position, he has squandered the opportunities that he has got as well.

An average of 32 (ODIs) and 20 (T20Is) does not make for great reading if you are Rahane and that has been reflected in the number of opportunities that he has got. With Dhawan, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and now even Rishabh Pant providing competition for an opening spot, Rahane needs to fire in the middle-order if he is to make the squad for the Champions Trophy as he is unlikely to get in as a back-up opener.