India's tour of England 2018: Likely ODI XI

Middle Order

#5 Dinesh Karthik

'DK' will try to keep up his recent form.

The No. 5 spot will be closely contested between Shreyas Iyer, Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik, but Karthik's experience may see him get the nod. The wicketkeeper-batsman seems to have found a new lease of life since his heroics in the Nidahas Trophy final, as he seems to be batting much more confidently, playing exquisite shots and scoring briskly.

The 32-year-old will look to make full use of this opportunity and tie down that middle-order spot for himself. Karthik has 134 runs from 10 innings in England, a stat he would like to improve.

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#6 MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni's experience will be crucial

No Indian cricket team line-up can be quite complete without MSD - such is the man's importance. Be it with his glove-work, his batting or his experience, Dhoni is indispensable to this Virat Kohli-led India side.

The stalwart will be expected to provide valuable input to the youngsters in the squad, and will also assist Kohli from behind the stumps, in field placement and bowling changes.

MSD has 586 runs from 18 innings, and must apply the finishing touch to the India batting in order for them to succeed, much like he has been doing for Chennai this IPL.

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#7 Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has established himself as India's No. 1 all-rounder across all three formats. The England tour could go a long way in determining whether he can be one of the greatest ever in that role.

Aggressive and flamboyant, Pandya will have to stick to his guns and back his abilities in order to succeed against the world's No. 1 ODI team. Hardik averages 52.5 in England, and similar performances will be expected of him in the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup.