5 reasons why Ajinkya Rahane should play the ODI series against Sri Lanka

#3 The new vacancy at number 3

Absence of Kohli can make the India middle-order vulnerable

Since the regular skipper Virat Kohli is rested for the ODI series against Sri Lanka, there will be a huge void in the Indian middle-order to fill.

In Kohli's absence, India lacks a trusted batsman at the one-down position. This increases Rahane's chances of a probable place in the playing XI. Even if a wicket is lost in the initial overs, Rahane's skills as an opening batsman will help India see off the early setback.

The solidity and reliability that Rahane can assure the dressing room would not be small. From five matches at number 3, Rahane has an average of 35 at a strike rate of 73. Although not a chase master like Kohli, Rahane has won all of his 5 man-of-the-match awards for his performance in chases.