West Indies tri-series 2013: India vs. West Indies - Five Talking Points

3. The middle order lacks bite without Dhoni

The Indian top-order delivered against the West Indies. Virat Kohli’s admirable decision to not give up his number three position to Murali Vijay paid off as he took the team to a match-winning total.

However, Dinesh Karthik failed in the series for the third consecutive time whereas Suresh Raina‘s dry spell with the bat continues. MS Dhoni’s presence in the lower order gives the Indian batting an assurance of security as he has been the great escape artist for India. He can come in when the batting is in a slump and redeem the innings with a mature and responsible stay in the middle. He can also propel the score when a reasonable foundation has been set up.

India will have the luxury of another two years or so with the Indian captain, but they need to breed a replacement.