India, July 21 -- Prior to the tour of the United Kingdom, India had extraordinary success in white-ball cricket. But in batting-friendly conditions. That did two things: first, we ended up overestimating some players. Second, the exact opposite: we ended up underestimating some others.

Like, there was no reason for India to bat KL Rahul at No.6 in the two matches he played. Indian batsmen have historically struggled in the swinging, seaming conditions of England and KL Rahul, in light of his batting prowess, should have batted where Ishan Kishan batted in the decider at Lord's on Sunday: at No.4. Rahul is an out-and-out batsman and is a Test regular and opens with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Needless to say, his batting technique has to be and is...