Suresh Raina wants Dhoni to bat in the lower-middle order

Suresh Raina believes MS Dhoni should bat at No. 5 or No. 6 for India in the upcoming ODI World Cup in England.

Where should MS Dhoni bat in the upcoming ODI World Cup? No. 4? No. 5 or No. 6? It’s not a new phenomenon in Indian cricket. the debate has been on for a long time now. In fact, the same question circled inside everyone’s head even before the last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Suresh Raina, Dhoni’s teammate and long-time friend has come up with an interesting answer to the question. Unlike a lot of experts and former India cricketers, Raina believes that the lower-middle order is the ideal position for Dhoni.

“For MS, the ideal position would be number five or six,” Raina, who is an integral part of the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings side in the Indian Premier League, said in an interview to Reuters.

According to Raina, Dhoni can build the innings if the top-order fails and he also has the ability to play the big shots in the death overs. “He is such a keen reader of the game and brings years of experience. When required he can build up an innings and his finishing skills are unmatched,” Raina said.

Dhoni played a crucial innings of 59* in the first ODI against India at Hyderabad forging an unbroken 144-run stand for the fifth wicket with Kedar Jadhav (81*)  to help India chase down the 238-run target. India were reduced to 99 for four in that match.

Asked about Indian captain Virat Kohli’s position in the Indian batting line-up, Raina stated that there was no need to tinker with Kohli’s current batting spot.

“I think number three or four should be good (for Kohli),” Raina, a member of India’s 2011 World Cup team, said. “If the top order topples quickly, we need someone like Kohli to keep it together.”

Raina believes top-ranked England will be a strong contender with their home advantage while India, Australia, West Indies and New Zealand are the other teams to watch out for.

“For me the most balanced team will win the World Cup,” the 32-year-old said. “English conditions are helpful for the seamers but in the recent years we have seen spinners also do well.

“Last year when I was playing against Ireland and England, our wrist spinners did really well. Team India is shaping up really well in this regard, a healthy mix of youth and experience.

“And a pace attack that is bowling beautifully in all conditions. No grey areas as such.”