Probable batting line up for India in Tests and ODIs

ODIs

Number 1. Rohit Sharma

Even though Rohit Sharma in Tests has been iffy on many occasions, there is no shadow of doubt about his place in the Indian team in colored clothing. He has been one of the most consistent players of Indian cricket when it comes to white ball cricket off-late.

Number 2. Shikhar Dhawan

Just like Rohit Sharma, with the form he is in at the moment, threatening to hit boundaries every ball he faces and finding the middle of the bat, it would be a cardinal sin to make him sit out in the dressing, providing the slot to KL Rahul. He has earned enough trust to bat at the opening slot for the Indian team.

Number 3. Virat Kohli

He is the ‘chase master’ and the modern great of World cricket. Kohli is best suited to bat at number 3 for India as he provides direction to the Indian innings. What he has done over the years, leaves very little argument for his place in the side.

Number 4. KL Rahul

Much like in Test Cricket, India has the dilemma of placing all three openers in limited over format as well. But with the recent announcement made by MSK Prasad, it is highly likely that Rahul would bat at the number 4 position, much like he did for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2016 edition.

Number 5. Ajinkya Rahane/Manish Pandey

Rahane scored heaps of runs in the Carribean and ever since. But with the form he is in at the moment, India cannot afford Rahane to sit out, warming the benches. Although he scored all those runs opening for India, Jinx still has the capability to bat in the middle order.

He has played some memorable innings batting at the position. Who can forget the brisk knock of 79 off 60 balls against South Africa at Melbourne in the World Cup of 2015? An alternate to Rahane in the blues for India is Manish Pandey who has been knocking on the doors of Indian selectors perennially.