ICC World Cup 2015 : Who should bat at no.3 for India ?

ICC World Cup 2015 : Who should bat at no.3 for India: With Ms Dhoni recently revealing after the win against West Indies in the 3rd Odi, that he would be ready to keep options open for the no.3 slot questions have been asked on who will be the most eligible. Virat Kohli had made this slot very own since the retirement of the legendary Rahul Dravid. Gautam Gambhir had also tried his very best at no.3. None can forget his masterly 98 against Sri Lanka in the semi-finals. But since he lost form after that, he was dropped from the side and has not made a return since then. At the moment, there are a few logical replacements for the no.3 spot. They are : 1.Rohit Sharma Rohit-Rahane combo might look like a solid combo given the fact they are technically sound(Photo Source : PTI). Rohit Sharma, currently injured would be raring to go all out when he gets match fit. It is almost sure that, he will make the world cup squad. But where shall we accommodate him. The rise of Ajinkya Rahane as an opening batsman is good news for India, but selecting his partner seems to be the trouble. Rohit-Rahane combo might look like a solid combo given the fact they are technically sound. But one of them has to be the aggressor. So one of them will have to be dropped or dropped down the order. It looks like Rohit is a more dependable no.3 batsman should India accommodate him. It gives stability to the team and being the senior member helps him to play an anchor role. Rohit is such a delight when on song, but more often he has been on the receiving end. 2.Ajinkya Rahane Ajinkya Rahane sweeps the ball (Photo: Cricinfo/BCB) Ajinkya Rahane has caught the imagination of many a critics worldwide. Rahane is an added armour in Captain Dhoni’s arsenal. Rahane in full flow is such a delight to watch. Even though Rahane is merry to the eyes as an opener and has been doing well as one, he could well be the ideal no.3 for India. Anchoring the innings comes natural to this Mumbaikar, given his orthodox batting technique. He has a similar batting stance with his mentor Rahul Dravid, maybe the right person to succeed the latter. In the Australian pitches, players need to have some sort of a technique to master the seam and swing. Rahane could very well be the guy. 3.Suresh Raina Suresh Raina dons the role to perfection at No.3 for Chennai Superkings. Photo: BCCI) Suresh Raina is the talk of the town. He has been known for having problems with the short-pitch stuff, but off late he has done well to manage the short pitch stuff. But he made creditable contributions in England where India won the series. He scored a scintillating hundred in the process. The fact that the knock came in the swinging England wickets further enhances the importance of it. If Kohli is to be moved down the order, then he is the right man for the job feels many. He dons the role to perfection at No.3 for Chennai Superkings. Not comparing Ipl with international cricket but it is a very much viable option. Slotting Raina at no.3 means India will miss a pinch hitter. More pressure for Dhoni and Jadeja. 4.Ambati Rayudu Rayudu’s reaction after being given Out (Picture Source: Cricinfo) Ambati Rayudu, the Hyderabadi born batsman has a class associated with his batting. Well famed Hyderabadi batsmen like Laxman and Azharuddin seem to have a lasting impression on him. This guy can do it all on his day. At no.3 he can play the role of a solid batsman building big partnership or towards the end of the innings this man can up the tempo and go bizzarre. That is the kind of batsman he is. In the second ODI against Windies, he anchored the innings well and made a good combo with Virat who came at no.4. Although he scored a brisk 32 before getting out, he needs to be continued at that spot to see if it will actually work over a long-term. 5.Yuvraj Singh Yuvraj Singh was the man of the tournament last time around contributing both with the bat and ball. Photo: BCCI) Yuvraj Singh, one of the cleanest strikers of the cricket ball is not there in the team now due to his fitness issues. He is said to be doing his rehabilitation with Rohit Sharma at National Cricket Academy, Bangalore. Yuvraj Singh was the man of the tournament last time around contributing both with the bat and ball. After cancer Yuvraj has not been at his phenomenal best, but he is working hard towards making return. Ever since his below par showing in the T20 world cup, he has not been picked. Yuvraj can be a viable no.3 option given the fact that he can play big innings and his counter attacking skills. He is soothing to the eyes when in the Punjabi mood he always associates with himself. But age is a factor for him. Critics believe that unlike Kohli, he takes time to settle down so it would be the best for him to bat higher up the order rather than trying to go for the bang-bang later on. If Yuvraj can do at least half of what he did in his prime, could do India a world of good.