What should India's ODI batting order be against England?

Modified Jul 07, 2018 11:50 IST

2018 International Twenty20 Cricket England v India Jul 3rd — All eyes are firmly on KL Rahul to see if his rich vein of form carries on into the forthcoming ODI series

India’s current ODI squad is an exceptionally strong one, with established superstars and eager to please youngsters in red-hot form both in the IPL and recent T20Is. However, talented batsmen in good form pose a headache to selectors as determining the playing XI and batting order becomes difficult.

With the World Cup coming up next year, there might be shuffling around and experimentation in the batting order as the team tries to figure out its best XI. All eyes are firmly on KL Rahul to see if his rich vein of form carries on into the forthcoming ODI series.

Shikhar Dhawan has been in good form leading up to the England tour, both in the IPL and T20Is against Ireland, and with Rohit Sharma finding form with his 97, they are highly likely to be the opening combination.

As a result, Rahul might not get a chance to open though it is his preferred batting position.

Does Rahul then bat at No. 3, pushing Kohli down the order? Does Rahul open with Dhawan coming in at No. 3?

#1 In at No. 3

The No. 3 position in ODIs is often reserved for the best batsman in the team as it allows them to face as many balls as possible after the initial passage has been played out by the openers. Kohli has been incredibly consistent at No. 3, and his stats at that position are otherworldly.

Innings: 148

Runs: 7495

Average: 61.43

Strike Rate: 93.29

100s: 28

It is difficult to see anyone batting at No. 3 ahead of Kohli, especially in ODIs, given the kind of performances he has put in time and time again for India particularly when chasing.

However, Kohli has recently stated that he is open to batting at No. 4 due to the astonishing form Rahul has been in and he feels that with him and MS Dhoni to come in afterwards, the top order would be able to back themselves and play aggressively.

While Rahul hasn’t made his mark yet in the No. 3 position in ODIs, his recent form makes a case for experimenting with him at 3 against England, especially if there is an early wicket, but Kohli is likely to remain at 3.

Graph of Averages and Strike Rates of Indian batsmen at No. 3 — Kohli has maintained incredible stats across nearly 150 innings batting at 3

#2 In at No. 4

The No. 4 position has been a hotly contested position for some time now in Indian cricket, with a number of players being given opportunities, but none firmly cementing their spot just yet. However, Rahul seems to be a promising prospect in this position.

On the back of an IPL season where he scored 659 runs averaging 54.91 at an unbelievable strike rate of 158.41 opening for Kings XI Punjab, Rahul has scored 101 (54) and 70 (36) in his last two T20I innings along with a half-century against Afghanistan in their historic inaugural test match.

As such, Rahul is likely to bat at No. 4 unless Kohli decides to move down the order.

Graph of Averages and Strike Rates of Indian batsmen at No. 4 — Due to his recent form, Rahul is likely to bat at 4 but Kohli and Dhoni have excellent records at 4 as well

#3 In at No. 5

CRICKET-IRL-IND-T20 — MS Dhoni has been in great touch of late

MS Dhoni should slot in comfortably at 5. Dhoni is back in excellent form as seen throughout the last IPL, where he made well in excess of 400 runs at a strike rate over 150. He was one of the leading six getters in the tournament though he didn’t get to face too many deliveries, striking 30 sixes.

Dhoni has often expressed his desire to bat up the order and he should be able to at No. 5 he will get a better chance at playing himself in and accelerating later on, an ability which he has demonstrated in his resurgence as a finisher in IPL 2018.

#4 In at No. 6

CRICKET-IND-BAN — It is likely between Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik for the No. 6 position

The recently concluded IPL season could shed some light as to the recent form of the main contenders for the No. 6 position – Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik.

Both players put in a string of strong performances throughout the IPL, but Karthik performed better than Raina, scoring more runs at a higher average and strike rate.

However, Raina brings an extra bowling option to the table with his right arm off-spin, and with there being only five bowling options other than this position, this is invaluable in case one of the bowlers have an off day. This is likely to tilt the scales in favour of Raina ahead of Karthik.