MS Dhoni should bat at number four: Rohit Sharma

Following India’s crushing defeat in the first ODI against Australia, Rohit Sharma gave his views on MS Dhoni and his much-debated batting position in the playing eleven. India suffered a batting failure and could manage to score only 254 for 9 while replying to Australia’s 288 for 5. Rohit starred with the bat, scoring 133 off 129. However, he got little support from the other end as India rarely looked in contention to chase down the total.

India were off to a disastrous start while chasing. They lost Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Ambati Rayudu with just 4 runs on the board. Rohit and Dhoni then steadied the ship with a 137-run stand before the latter’s innings was ended by a poor umpiring decision. The former India skipper departed after scoring 51. However, he took 96 balls for the same which ultimately piled pressure on Rohit as well as the lower-order batsmen. The fifty was Dhoni’s first in ODIs since 2017.

The latest knock from Dhoni has once again raised questions on Dhoni’s batting position. Dhoni usually bats at number 5, a position where arguably the best finisher of the team should play. While the Jharkhand-born is arguably India’s greatest finisher, he has lost his edge with the passage of time.  Not surprisingly, Rohit thinks Dhoni should bat at number 4.

The position will perhaps be ideal for Dhoni who usually takes his time to settle down before going for the big shots. “Personally, I think MS Dhoni should bat at number four,” Rohit was quoted as saying while interacting with the media after the game.

Dhoni’s record at number four:

The 37-year-old enjoys a terrific record at number four. At this position,  he has so far accumulated 1230 runs in 27 matches at an amazing average of 55.90 and a strike rate of 94.98 which is way better than his career strike rate of 88.13.

The World Cup-winning skipper has also scored one century and 11 fifties while batting at this position. In last year’s IPL season he often promoted himself in the batting order and scored 455 runs in 16 matches at an incredible strike rate of 150.66.  Given India’s recent struggles and Dhoni’s experience at this position, he can be tried out at number four.

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