Middle-order batsmen
Virat Kohli has been the mainstay of India’s batting order for the past 5-6 years and the same is expected from him in the New Zealand series too. There are some concerns over his form in the longer version but Kohli is experienced enough to turn the tide in his favour. He will be India’s no. 3 in ODIs. As mentioned previously, KL Rahul should bat at number 4.
Rahul has been in the form of his life and been scoring runs for fun. In the three ODIs he has played so far, he has scored 196 runs at an average of 196 including an unbeaten 100 on debut and became the first Indian to score a 100 on ODI debut. So it is certain that Rahul will be included in the playing XI if he passes his fitness test (which is likely to happen).
With Suresh Raina out of contention for a place in the ODI team, there were reports that the selectors are in favour of bringing back Yuvraj Singh for the ODIs and reports also said that the dashing southpaw successfully underwent a fitness test at NCA, Bangalore.
Bringing Yuvraj back into the ODI playing XI is not a wise move as it will be unfair on Manish Pandey, who has been brilliant of late.
After scoring a match-winning 100 in India’s win over Australia at Sydney earlier this year, Pandey continued his brilliant form in the Zimbabwe tour and the quadrangular ODI series in Australia. Pandey should be rewarded for his consistency and should get into the playing XI ahead of any other batsman.
India’s ODI skipper MS Dhoni will complete India’s middle-order for the ODI series against New Zealand.
Middle-order: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni
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