By batting at the nets in short spans, against a variety of bowlers, and by doing everything else that is in his control, the seasoned Rahane is bracing up for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, knowing well it could decide his future in the Indian team.

Ajinkya Rahane will lead India in the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur, starting November 25, before regular skipper Virat Kohli returns to take charge from the second Test in Mumbai.

Jasprit Bumrah will have to squeeze every ounce of energy from his already overworked body while Ajinkya Rahane will hope to get one final chance when India take on England in the 5th Test.

India batting coach Vikram Rathour has backed struggling Ajinkya Rahane to come good in the next match, saying the time has not come yet to worry about his form.

Pujara might have redeemed himself with a knock of 91 which was high on "intent quotient" but the same can't be said about Rahane, whose form is shaky despite a crucial 61 in the second innings at the Lord's.

With the series now levelled at 1-1 after the Leeds defeat, and with the objective to rest their fast bowlers, here are some of the selection questions for India ahead of the Oval tie

Rahane even laughed off the flak they faced on social media by saying that only "important people" are talked about.

The experienced duo of Pujara and Test vice-captain Rahane have not been at their best of late, averaging in the 20s this year.

With Kohli wanting to stick to his template, focussing more on picking 20 wickets, the middle order needs to deliver in what arguably stands India's best chance to win a series in England.

Vice-captain Rahane has looked out of sorts against the red ball, averaging 19.21 from nine Tests this year.

Gavaskar described Rahane and Pujara as "low-profile" cricketers and said that questions must be asked of the support staff if both the players are getting out in a similar fashion.

Asked, who among bowlers is the best bet with the willow and may be fill-up for Hardik Pandya's absence, Rahane named fellow Mumbaikar Thakur

Rahane didn't play India's first-class game against Select County XI because of a "mild swelling around his left upper hamstring." 

BCCI also revealed the reason behind two Indian players being part of the County XI side during the warm-up game. 

Deep Dasgupta feels India Test team vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane, is not the same player he used to be five-six years ago when he scored tons of runs at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium batting at No. 3.

The former Indian opener and batting coach is optimistic of Ajinkya Rahane putting up a strong show with the bat in the upcoming Test series against England.

While Kohli (13) and Pujara (15) were dismissed by towering Kyle Jamieson, Rahane (15) was shown the exit door by Trent Boult on the final day of the WTC final.

Just when Rahane had started to look threatening, he was dismissed for 49 by Neil Wagner. He didn't commit fully to the pull and ended up playing a short-arm jab, and spooned the catch to Tom Latham at square-leg

Despite his blow-hot-blow-cold form over the last few years, India's Test vice-captain with 1095 runs in 17 games is team's top scorer in the two-year World Test Championship cycle

The 33-year-old Rahane said the team management is backing the India youngsters to play fearless cricket and perform with freedom.