Ideal middle order combination for India in Asia Cup 2018

The Indian top order has been very consistent since the last ODI World Cup in 2015 scoring bulk of runs for the team. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli have scored runs in heaps which overshadowed the failures in the middle order. Whenever the top three have failed the middle order crumbled under pressure and surrendered meekly to the opposition with exception of crisis man MS Dhoni.

During this period, the middle order batsmen, have failed to resurrect the team's position in case of a collapse or failed to consolidate the team's position after a steady start. Virat Kohli especially has been in ominous form in ODIs this year as he scored 749 runs in just 9 matches at a Bradmanesque average of 124.83 including 3 centuries. In the Asia Cup, the middle order is bound to be under extra pressure due to the absence of stalwart Virat Kohli in the lineup.

Here we have a look at players for 4 positions in the middle order for the upcoming Asia Cup.

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At Number 3 - KL Rahul

KL Rahul played in some ODIs over the last year but did not score many runs. To be fair to him he did not get a consistent run at a certain position to establish himself in that period. He was the standout performer of this year's IPL, which provided a new lease of life to his fading ODI career.

He finished the England tour on high, by scoring a scintillating century in the 2nd innings of the 5th Test, announcing his come back into form after a rather quiet tour of England. He will look to cement his place in the Indian ODI team given his outstanding form. He will most likely play at number 3 because of the absence of regular No. 3 Virat Kohli. He is the best option available for the one-down spot.

At Number 4 - Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu made a come back to the national side on the back of a stupendous IPL season where he helped CSK to clinch their third title. Rayudu was selected for the England series initially but after failing the mandatory Yo-Yo test he was replaced by Suresh Raina.

Now that he cleared the test he has claimed his rightful spot in the squad for Asia Cup. Rayudu is a flexible batsman who can bat anywhere in the middle order and also is a seasoned campaigner. He has played 34 ODIs till date and has an average of 50.24 with 2 centuries to his name.

In IPL 11 he batted at 4 as well as an opener with equal success which proves his flexibility to score runs at any position. His Indian career has been curtailed till now mainly because of his fitness issues but now that he is back he should be given an opportunity at two-down as all others in the current squad have been tried earlier at that position with no success. He seems to be the best bet right now to end the number 4 conundrum for Team India.

At Number 5 - MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni himself has revealed in the past that he wants to play up the order but that was not possible due to various reasons under the regime of Virat Kohli. Rohit Sharma the skipper for current series previously opted to play MS up the order to give the legend enough time to settle down and anchor the innings as his finishing abilities have waned with time.

He averages 53.98 at the number 5 position. MS Dhoni would be the ideal candidate for team India at the position as he is a proven performer at that position and will be able to control the game from that spot. So it won't be a surprise if Dhoni walks in at the fall of the third wicket on 17th September or during the course of Asia Cup.

At Number 6 - Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik has been the comeback man in Indian cricket. He made his debut in 2004 even before MS Dhoni but never cemented his place in the side. He was highly inconsistent during his initial years but after 2016 he has been a revelation in the Indian cricket circles as he improved his fitness and temperament to play at the highest level.

His performance of 29* runs off 8 balls in the final of 2018 Nidahas Trophy is one for the history books. This knock and his magnificent run in IPL 11 for KKR have reinvigorated faith in his batting skills, especially his finishing skills.

Given his experience and form, he should be given chance to play at 6, which may aid India during the World Cup next year in England as Dhoni has not been at his best hitting form in the last few years so Dinesh might actually fill that void.