5 players who can be a solution to India's 6th bowler problem in ODIs 

India's middle order troubles continued in the recently concluded ODI series against England. The Indian team looked completely over-dependent on the top three and paid a heavy price for not having a settled middle order.

And this problem has persisted for a long period now. India has tried various options in the middle order but without much success.

While the selectors have given chances to young players like Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer, they have also tried experienced players like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina. But unfortunately, none of these players have performed consistently.

Moreover, one problem that India has faced in the recent past has been the problem of not having a sixth bowling option in the side. Batsmen like Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, and KL Rahul don't have much bowling experience which results in their omission from the playing XI on a lot of occasions.

In the latest incident KL Rahul, who was in terrific form, was dropped from the playing XI because India needed Suresh Raina, who wasn't in good nick but offers a bowling option to the captain, in the side. India can't afford to let issues like this be unresolved going into next year's World Cup as every player will have an important role to play in the side.

We will look at 5 such players whose inclusion in the playing XI can solve India's sixth bowler problem in ODIs.

#5 Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar can become a backup option for Hardik Pandya

Vijay Shankar had been one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder is a technically sound middle order batsman and a more than useful medium pacer.

English conditions will be favorable for fast bowling and Shankar will be a good option in those conditions. After having a mixed debut series in Sri Lanka, Shankar played some useful knocks for Delhi Daredevils in the latter half of the tournament showing his ability to use the long handle to good effect. It will be interesting to see whether selectors give him chances before the World Cup.

#4 Axar Patel

Patel bowls with good control and does not give away easy runs

Axar Patel shot into prominence with a good performance in the IPL. The Gujarat all-rounder was subsequently selected in the India ODI squad. Patel did not disappoint the selectors and the team management, as he impressed everyone with his control and consistency in the ODI format. But his batting wasn't up to the mark.

Patel also struggled with injuries and was eventually dropped from the side. He did make a comeback but did not look at his best. However, he has shown signs of improvement in his batting and also bowled well in India A tour of England. Patel can provide a good option in the lower-order for Team India.

#3 Ravindra Jadeja

Can Jadeja make a comeback to the national side?

Ravindra Jadeja was once considered to be a limited overs specialist. But with time things have changed drastically for Jadeja. The all-rounder is now a regular in the Test side while he finds himself on the sidelines when it comes to limited overs cricket.

Jadeja is a street-smart spinner, a decent lower-order batsman and an excellent fielder, which makes him a perfect package for ODI cricket.

But his batting has let him down. Jadeja hasn't been able to make any match-winning contribution with the bat for India. However, Jadeja does have the batting caliber and if he can work on his batting, with his steady bowling, he can surely make a comeback in the side.

#2 Kedar Jadhav

Jadhav has provided crucial breakthroughs to the side

Kedar Jadhav has been a useful ODI cricketer for India. Jadhav has played spectacular knocks for Team India in his short ODI career and has been a regular in the ODI setup. Apart from his batting, he is also a more than handy off-spinner.

Jadhav bowls from a lower trajectory and has outfoxed a lot of batsmen, including the likes of Steven Smith and Kane Williamson, in international cricket. It is unfortunate for Team India that Jadhav has been going through fitness issues and has missed a lot of matches due to injuries. If he can remain fit, Jadhav can play a key role in India's quest for it's third World Cup title.

#1 Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya has been successful with the ball in hand in IPL

The national selectors showed the signs of things to come by selecting Krunal Pandya as Washington Sundar's replacement in the Indian T20 side. Krunal Pandya has impressed one and all by his performances for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Just like his younger brother Hardik, Krunal is a hard-hitting batsman who can turn a match on its head with his big hitting. He has also been a highly effective left-arm spinner who bowls with immaculate line and length. If Krunal can repeat his terrific IPL form in ODIs, he can be an asset for Team India.