Two Indian cricketers could make way for Kohli in the playing XI against the Kiwis, according to Wasim Jaffer.

In an interview with Wasim Jaffer, he discussed possible replacements for regular Test captain Virat Kohli in the playing XI for the second Test against the Kiwis scheduled for December 3 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

 Ajinkya Rahane, who has been performing poorly of late, or opening bowler Mayank Agarwal, Jaffer explained to ESPNcricinfo. He says it is a toss-up between Mayank Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane. ”I would be thinking of those two. That’s the choice that Virat Kohli must make. Would he like to give Mayank Agarwal a second shot? In the last 10-12 Test matches, Rahane has not scored enough runs after that Melbourne (knock). This is an extremely difficult call. I don’t know who will win as it is difficult to analyze and predict things.” Stated Jaffer. Wriddhiman Saha was suggested as an opening choice by Jaffer since he would not disrupt the batting positions of the others. Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara will fill vacant positions. Shreyas Iyer will bat at three and Kohli at four if Mayank goes out. It is possible to do that in Indian conditions if Saha opens and everyone bats in their original positions.” Kohli’s return has brought an interesting dilemma to the Indian camp.

Considering Shreyas’ impressive debut in Kanpur, he may very well end up taking the sword from the senior pros who have had limited exposure to the longer format of the game.