Six batsmen who can solve the middle order puzzle for India in ODIs

Even though the ODI World Cup is less than a year away, India has still not zeroed upon the final No 4 and No 5. Let us have a look at the players who can be a perfect fit for these positions.

#6 Dinesh Karthik

Karthik is a compact batsman with a solid technique. He has a wealth of experience which can come in handy during tight situations in tournaments, like World Cup. His astute judgement of situations was heir apparent during his mesmerizing knocks in the IPL.

#5 Kedar Jadhav

kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav was a regular in the Indian team before he got injured. After undergoing surgery for his hamstring injury, he is on the road to recovery. He has been good with the bat in the limited overs format. Add to that, his low arm bowling action has troubled a lot of opposition batsmen.

#4 KL Rahul

KL Rahul

Rahul was at his destructive best during the IPL 2018. He stamped his authority by scoring a blistering century against England in the T20 series. Rahul's attacking instinct makes him a dangerous player.

#3 Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina

Not long ago, Raina used to be a regular in the ODI team. He lost his place owing to indifferent form and fitness issues. Now he is back in the reckoning and his addition could prove to be a value addition to the middle order. Raina is not only an attacking batsman but also a brilliant fielder. Add to that, he can chip in with his off-spinners in the middle overs.

#2 Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane is a monk with the bat and can play the role of accumulator. India needs a player in the middle order who can provide stability, Rahane fits that bill perfectly. He can even switch gears when required, glimpses of which one has seen time and again in the IPL.

#1 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni

Dhoni could be moved up the order as India already has Pandya who can play the finisher role. In his earlier years, Dhoni has batted at No 3 and scored big hundreds. His astute knowledge of the game situation is unparalleled and he can manipulate the opposition bowling to his advantage. Dhoni's mere presence in the middle provides the batters around him a lot of confidence and allows them to play their natural game.