Predicted Indian batting order in absence of Virat Kohli

India's and Virat Kohli's plan for the England tour hit a major roadblock when the Indian captain suffered a slip disk which has ruled him out of his upcoming county stint with Surrey.

Also, there are reports that this might rule him out of India's T20 side which will kickstart the tour of Ireland and England.

While Rohit Sharma will take over the mantle of the Indian side, there will be a different team composition for him to deal with.

We take a look at the Indian batting order in the absence of Virat Kohli.

Shikhar Dhawan

The southpaw has been in brilliant form with the bat against the white ball over the last 15 months and has been one of the best performers for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

He will walk out to face the new ball and the Indian team would hope he gets going right from the outset and takes the attack to the opposition as a quick start is just what the Indian team want from their opener.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit will lead India in Kohli's absence and he will also walk out to open the innings with Shikhar Dhawan.

With Kohli not in the mix, Rohit will have added responsibility and he should look to drop anchor and play deep into the innings.

Also, he has not been in the best of form in the IPL which is why this series will prove to be a test for the right-hander and he needs to respond in the best possible way.

KL Rahul

Virat Kohli's loss will be KL Rahul's gain. The right-hander has been in irresistible form in the IPL and has peeled off runs for fun and with ridiculous ease.

He is adept at handling pace and spin and at number three has the ability to take on the bowlers and utilize the advantage in the powerplay.

Also, Rahul has a watertight technique which should hold him in great stead if the ball moves around and it might well move in English conditions.

Perhaps this tour will give Rahul another go in International conditions.

Suresh Raina

The left-hander made a comeback into the Indian team in the last South African tour and looked to be in good touch. He has also had a decent IPL which will only give him confidence heading into the England tour.

Raina has a decent record in England and he should be at ease on surfaces where the ball comes on perfectly which will allow him to play his strokes with freedom.

Also, Rohit can use Raina as a part-time off-break bowler which gives him more options to choose from.

MS Dhoni

Perhaps this IPL has been the best for MS Dhoni and he is back to his best at the number five position.

There was never doubting his ability and pedigree, but the finisher was on the decline, however, this season has resurrected Dhoni as the finisher.

He is not hesitant in going after the bowling and striking those massive sixes and boundaries.