England vs India 2018: 3 problems India might face in the ODI series

#1 The No. 4 Conundrum

Rahul or Kohli - Who will solve the No.4 problem?

Since the 2015 World Cup, India haven’t had a fixed No.4 for two consecutive series. Every time a new series starts, the first question in all pre-shows is who is going to bat at No.4?

India have tried more than half a dozen players in the No.4 position after the 2015 World Cup which is far too many for any position. Interestingly, Ajinkya Rahane, who was the No.4 for the South Africa ODI series, hasn't even made the squad this time. So India will have a different player batting at No.4.

India have a lot of middle-order batsmen in the squad which includes Iyer, Raina and Dinesh Karthik. But looking at the recently concluded T20I series the most obvious choice at No.4 would be Virat Kohli. But should Kohli leave his No.3 spot in the ODI format where he scores hundreds for fun? The answer is unclear.

There is a possibility that Rahul might be pushed down the order and he might bat at No.4. India have less than a year to fix the No.4 issue ahead of the World Cup and they will be hoping that it is done in this series.