Here's how Indian batting will look without Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara

India will be hosting Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series next month. The series opener will be played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from February 25, while the second match will be staged at Mohali's PCA Stadium from March 5.

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With Virat Kohli shockingly stepping down as the Indian team's Test skipper, Rohit Sharma is likely to be named as India Test captain and will lead the side against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, as per reports, senior batters Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara could be dropped, owing to their underwhelming returns in the last 12 months. If that happens, here's how the Indian batting line-up could look in the Sri Lanka series.

Opening: Once Rohit Sharma makes a comeback, he will slot in as an opener. KL Rahul is likely to accompany him as he has shown great skills at the top during England as well as the South Africa series. 

Number 3: In place of Pujara, India can ask Shubman Gill or Mayank Agarwal to bat. Both are openers but with the opening slot already booked, one the duo may have to bat at 3.

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Number 4 - Virat Kohli is not likely to experiment with his batting position and will play at 4 in all circumstances.

Number 5: Team India's SCG hero Hanuma Vihari could well be the contender to occupy the number five spot but the team management and selectors could also think about roping in Shreyas Iyer, who made a staggering century on debut.

Number 6: Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will continue to bat at the sixth position.

Number 7 & 8: If star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja makes himself available for selection in the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series, then he would be expected to bat at number seven, with his spin bowling partner Ravichandran Ashwin expected to take up the eighth spot.