Predicting the Indian ODI batting line-up before Champions Trophy 2017

#6 Ambati Rayudu/Suresh Raina/Kedar Jadhav

I am sure there will be a lot of eyebrows raised as I mention Ambati Rayudu, but then on close introspection, the man deserves a lot more credit and chance than he actually gets. It is hard to stumble upon any chance that Rayudu has not taken advantage of. He averages 50.23 in the 30 innings he has played, and it is only fair that he gets his chance in the main team, and for a longer duration.

The other possible candidate for this position is Kedar Jadhav. It may appear a bit out of the box but is worth the punt. The Maharashtra batsman has been in the mix for a fairly long time as he churned out runs in the domestic circuit. When he finally got his opportunity on the tour to Zimbabwe in 2015, he made it count by scoring a century and bailing India out from a precarious situation. In this series too, he made a crucial 58 in the final T20 and gave India the breathing space. Jadhav can play the role of a finisher as he has the ability to innovate and clear the ropes. At the same time, he has the game which will allow him to soak in pressure at crunch moments. A name which is left-field but certainly with promise.

And then we have the tried and tested name in Suresh Raina. The southpaw is currently out of favour for the limited overs squad, but then we know his ability. If can find his form in the domestic circuit, there is no reason why the selectors will not go back to him.