“In the last couple of years, I’ve forgotten what my [batting] position is.” KL Rahul said this with a smile a few evenings back, seeking to take the edge off his remark and trying to make light of being asked to perform various roles at different stages in the last 18 or so months. But one could sense a relief at finally being allocated a settled spot in the batting order.

Versatile player

The 33-year-old is the most senior of the specialist batters in the squad in England, having made his Test debut in December 2014 and racked up 59 appearances since. One of his great strengths is his versatility — the ability to handle myriad challenges and bat at different positions — but it is precisely this virtue that became his bugbear.