India vs Sri Lanka 2017: India's probable playing 11 for first ODI

Middle-order

Another day, another challenge for Kohli

Virat Kohli

While the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma continue to provide invaluable contributions at the top of the innings, if there is one man the team relies on, it is Virat Kohli. And just over nine years after his international debut, there have been few occasions where Kohli hasn't had the team's back.

Given his lofty standards, Kohli will probably admit that he hasn't been amongst the runs in the last couple of months and that is something he will look to correct, against Sri Lanka.

KL Rahul

With the omission of Yuvraj Singh, the one big question that was to be answered is the No.4 slot. However, the decision to try out KL Rahul at the position is one that now offers the Indian side plenty of flexibility. While the Karnataka batsman has only ever opened in ODIs, considering his recent form, it is unlikely that his batting position is going to determine the runs that he scores. And it is his good form that is likely to ensure that he gets the nod ahead of the in-form Manish Pandey.

MS Dhoni

At times, the older you get, the smaller things seem to make a big difference. Few years ago, no one dared question MS Dhoni's place in the side, but as the keeper is on the wrong side of his 30s, every bad innings has prompted questions surrounding his retirement. However, Dhoni has shown time and again that he has plenty left in the tank and as the first-choice keeper and Kohli's No.1 advisor, he still has a pivotal role to play in the side.