- Openers Need To Fire At All Costs:
In 14 innings in which Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have opened together, the duo average just a paltry 18.78 as a pair for the first wicket. With just one half-century stand between the two till now, it is safe to say that this has been India’s major concern for quite a while now. Both have been quite inconsistent and have failed to replicate their good form. Pune was no different, as India lost its first wicket cheaply in both the innings. Bengaluru could well turn out to be the final opportunity for this pair. Another poor outing and we could well witness a new opening combination for the remaining two games of the series. Due to their dismal starts, the middle-order has to soak in all the pressure, especially the number three batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who cannot play his natural free flowing game.