Middle order is the only spot we are looking for experimentation: Virat Kohli

With only a day remaining for the start of the one-day series between India and South Africa, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has hinted about playing flamboyant batsman Ajinkya Rahane at the number four position. After tasting defeat in the Test series, Virat Kohli and his men will take the field to reclaim their lost pride. The one-day series is scheduled to start on February 1 in Durban, South Africa is currently ranked number one in the one-day rankings whereas India is the second-ranked side.

Earlier today, Indian Captain Virat Kohli hinted about the inclusion of Ajinkya Rahane in the six-match one-day international series. “We have said that Rahane is the third opener in ODIs. But that might change. He plays pace very well and has batted at no.4 in WC before. So this could be an option going ahead,” Kohli said. Ajinkya Rahane has been the backup opener for the team, Rahane has often replaced Shikhar Dhawan or Rohit Sharma in the past. India has tried 10 different batsmen at the number four position since the 2015 World Cup in Australia.

India’s misery with the middle order does not seem to find an end. Ajinkya Rahane may well be the perfect batsman to take the position because of his ability against the Pacers. Rahane can anchor the innings coming in at number four. The flamboyant batsman has an average of 37 in the 20 innings that he has played at the number four position. Rahane has accumulated 703 in 20 innings at this position with the highest score of 89. His last four innings at the position have been wonderful with scores of  47, 87, 89 and 50.

The never ending batting chaos

With the 2019 World Cup approaching India need to get their batting combination right. Rahane batting at number four might be the card that India needs to unleash at the moment. According to Virat Kohli, they have pretty much made a settled side since the Sri Lankan tour, he believes that the side needs to work on the middle order spot especially the number four spot. “We have more or less sorted out core players for key positions since the Sri Lanka tour. I would say middle order (specifically No.4) is the only spot we are looking for experimentation at the moment,” Kohli added to TOI.

India has never won a one-day international in Durban. Virat Kohli and co. will look to rewrite history as the men in blue battle it out with the Proteas. Team India will be looking to get their combination right in this series. Kohli will be eager to experiment with Ajinkya Rahane at number four. Shreyas Iyer is another man who can fulfil the role of a number four batsman, Iyer batted brilliantly in his debut series against Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old is a contender for the role along with Rahane.