India's ideal batting line-up for the ODI series

India’s ideal batting line-up for the ODI series: The ‘Paytm Freedom Series’ has now moved to the 50-over format from the T20I. India cricket team has arrived at the Green Park, Kanpur and are all set to play their only day game of the ODI series. They would look to start the series on a winning note after getting a drubbing in the T20I series.

There are few thing which India will look to sort out before they take the field against South Africa. The batting line-up was proved to be hollow by the South African bowling line-up in the second T20I.

The batting has been little inconsistent for India. There are few reasons to make a couple of changes and shuffle the batting order.

The fragile middle order has become a major concern for India. In fact, a bigger concern than the top order, to be precise. Dhoni and Rayudu, to be particular, have failed to score runs which has greatly affected the team. MS Dhoni made a place for Ambati Rayudu at the cost of Ajinkya Rahane. But, he let his captain down with a dismal show with the bat. Therefore, Ajinkya Rahane deserves a much-needed return to playing XI.

1. Dhawan – Rohit (Openers): 

Opener Shikhar Dhawan’s loss of form has become a cause of concern for India. He managed to score only 14 runs in the T20I series. But, everyone knows about his capability especially in the 50-over format. In the last 10 innings in this format, he has scored 2 half-centuries and 2 centuries. These numbers prove his worth. The other opener, Rohit Sharma hit a century in the 1st T20I but deliberately failed to anchor India’s innings in the 2nd game. But, he has been in good form in the ODI format.

2. Virat Kohli (No.3):

Vice-captain Virat Kohli has also not able make his bat talk like he does most of the time. He did well in the 1st T20I but was unlucky to be run-out in the 2nd match. Although, he has scored only 53 runs in the last five matches but, has been always a player to watch out for. But, there is no doubt that Virat is a proven match-winner and can turn the tables for India at any time.

3. Suresh Raina (No.4):

Suresh Raina will have to take the responsibility in the middle order. He did not fare well in the T20I but, was decent in the last ODI series which India played against Bangladesh. However, South Africa is a much more challenging side. Therefore, he needs to be more responsible and try to impose more impactful with his bat. For India to do well Raina definitely has to play a key role in the ODI series.

4. Ajinkya Rahane (No.5 ):

There has been a lot of shout from the fans to include him the batting line-up. Dhoni has preferred Ambati Rayudu over Rahane in the recent series; though he has been a pretty consistent performer for India and has the ability to become the backbone of the fragile Indian middle order.

5. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (No.6):

MS Dhoni and his batting role in the team has been a subject of debate among the fans as well as the experts in recent times. It’s been a long time since he hit a century in ODIs. His last ton came in the year 2013. Therefore, he should look to score big and not only silence all the debates but also get his confidence back. As far as ODIs are concerned, the skipper has always been in good form. He has scored 2 half centuries in the last 5 innings. These are good numbers given the fact that he usually bats low in the batting order.

India has a slight head-to-head advantage at home. Out of 23 matches, India has won 13 and lost 10. The last time India and South Africa played an ODI in India was during 2011 World Cup. South Africa won that match by 3 wickets.

Squad:

MS Dhoni (C), Virat Kohli (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Stuart Binny, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav.

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