India's best bets for Number 4 and Number 6 in ODIs

#Number 6

During the last series in England, the difference between the two sides was the lower middle order batting. England has players like Stokes, Morgan and Jos Bulter who have the ability to convert a 300 looking total to 350+. Recently England has been the team who have posted huge totals in ODIs on a consistent basis. The top ODI scores of 481 and 444 belong to England.

Many times Indian top order had provided an excellent start and India look on course to 350 plus total but the because of lower middle order collapse India manages a score around 300-320.

Number 6 position is a very critical position for the finishing of the innings. At the moment, India has Hardik Pandya who is as an excellent finisher of the innings and can clear any ground at will. Pandya coming at number 7 will be able to provide for the finishing that India needs but he will need some support from the number 6.

With Dinesh Karthik axed from the squad, it is likely that selectors don't want to give him more opportunities. So the only player left is Kedar Jadhav.

Jadhav didn't get many opportunities with the bat in the Asia Cup but with the ball he was brilliant. He bowled economical overs in crucial matches and also picked wickets when in dire need. He was economical and can give you 4-5 overs easily and it will be really helpful for the balance of the side.

The bowlers will not be pressurized to bowl their full quota of overs even on bad days. Extra bowling option with Kedar makes him an invaluable player. India has been looking for somebody in the top-6 who can bowl and looks like he is the best guy at the moment.

But he injured his hamstring in the final and is not in the squad for West Indies series. Rishabh Pant has been given the opportunity in his place for the West Indies series. If Rishabh Pant can perform well in the ODI series he will definitely eye Dhoni's place.

MS Dhoni didn't look at his best in the Asia Cup. He struggled against the spinners. Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, is an excellent hitter of the ball and can be the finisher Indian side has been looking ever since there has been a decline in Dhoni's finishing abilities.

India can try Rishabh Pant in few matches against West Indies and see whether Pant can be considered for the wicketkeeping slot for the World Cup next year because it is not easy to replace MS Dhoni. He is not just a wicketkeeper but brings a lot to the table with his mere presence. At least in the T20 series, Rishabh Pant can be tried in place of MS Dhoni as he will get more exposure to international cricket.