3 reasons why Rohit Sharma is still preferred in the middle order in ODIs

At least in ODIs, Rohit Sharma should bat in the middle orderIf there is one batsman in India who is trolled as much as he is loved, that would probably be Rohit Sharma. In one match, he becomes a legend, and in the next one he will turn into Ravindra Jadeja. However, there is an undeniable fact that he is one of the most prized possessions of Indian cricket team, especially in the shorter format.But what makes him so indispensable and vital in India’s batting line-up? In astrology, there is a concept that even Saturn, a planet which is notorious for causing harm, can bring good fortune to the individual if positioned well with other stars and planets. Similarly, in cricket, a player batting in his most suitable position can bring great results to himself and the team.Rohit Sharma’s batting position has been a case on the anvil (though he has never batted down the order since 2013) for quite a while. Every time when critics ask him to go back to his old position in the middle order, he rewrites the record books and shuts their mouths.However, for some reasons, many analysts can’t stomach the idea of Rohit batting at the top of the order.Let’s have a look at the top 3 reasons why Rohit is preferred in the middle order.

#1 Save Kohli

Rohit Sharma has a habit of running out his partner

Let’s start with the funniest, yet a significant one. Rohit Sharma’s penchant for running out his partner at the other end is a painful fact well-known to all Indian cricket fans. And it hurts even more when he runs out India’s best batsman, Virat Kohli.

But if there is one batsman in the whole universe who could reach the other end safely while running with Rohit, that’s M.S. Dhoni. Yes, Rohit’s misjudgments could only be compensated by Dhoni’s swiftness and alertness while running between the wickets. If Rohit bats down the order, Kohli will be safe, and Dhoni will also get a chance to bat with one of his favorite players.

However, every time when Rohit literally takes the wicket of his partner, he goes on to make a milestone, and one can never turn a blind eye towards that.

#2 Rohit is a clean hitter with diverse strokes in the armoury

Rohit has diverse strokes in his armoury

Yes, Rohit can open the innings for India in T20Is. But in ODI’s if he bats after the 30th over, then he can play like a proper T20 opener which he is quite good at.

He is probably the only player in the team with the ability to play diverse strokes like scoops. Being a clean hitter of the cricket ball, it won’t be a big scene for the Mumbaikar to play aggressively in the later part of the innings, when there is only trivial swing left in the white ball.

Since Dhoni’s hard hitting skills have shown a decline and Raina still being susceptible to short stuff, and also considering the fact that Rayudu haven’t yet proven his real worth in international cricket, Rohit’s inclusion in the middle order can also be a solution to India’s middle order conundrum.

#3 Rahane will get a chance

Rahane deserves a spot in ODIs

This could be the main reason why experts aren’t impressed with Rohit’s phenomenal batting record as an opener. It’s indeed a heartbreaking moment to see a class player like Rahane on the bench as a water boy.

George Bailey and Rahane share similarities not only in their calm demeanour. From a benchwarmer to the captain of the team, it has been a roller coaster ride for both the players. There is no point in wasting the talent of one of the most gifted cricketers in India, as talent is not yet overloaded in the Indian team.

India is not in dire need for an occasional double hundred, but a hundred at the top and a quick fire 50 in the middle is good enough to pose a big total. Considering Rahane’s exceptional skill in facing the new ball in all conditions, Rohit should hand over the opening slot to Rahane, at least in the ODIs.

If Rahane fails to impress even after 3-4 games, Rohit can attain his spot back and can go on with his habit of scoring double tons.