#5 Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane is also capable of opening the batting for India in ODIs, if Rohit Sharma bats lower down the order. Rahane has been in and out of the Indian ODI setup and is still fighting for a place in the lineup.
His game is more suited for the opening position as he is technically correct. He is an ideal player to see off the new ball, absorb pressure and handle tricky conditions since he has a solid technique and he constantly keeps the scoreboard moving.
Keeping in mind that the next World Cup is to played in England, where the conditions favor swing and seam, he might be perfect for the opening role considering Rohit's vulnerablities against the moving ball.
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