Published: Jan 14, 2015, 12:53 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 14, 2015, 07:28 PM (IST)
India have a very settled top six, with the only question over the opening combination. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are the three contenders for the opening spot. Dhawan is more or less the preferred opener with only the second spot up for grabs. Nishad Pai Vaidya writes about the toss-up between Rohit and Rahane.
India perhaps have the most settled batting line-up in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The top six — Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni — walk into the eleven with an all-rounder at No. 7. The only questions remain over the possible opening combination, which could have implications on a spot or two in the middle. MS Dhoni and the team management have to decide between Dhawan, Rahane and Rohit heading into the ICC World Cup 2015. The upcoming tri-series may present a clearer picture about India’s plans.
This isn’t your usual opening batsman tussle. Normally, there are two men settled at the top, with a third waiting in the wings. If one slips, the man on the bench gets in. However, on this occasion, the three are a vital part of the eleven and it is only a question of allotting them spots. It will not be easy considering their recent run of form in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). They present good prospects, with India looking for the perfect formula.
Shikhar Dhawan: The southpaw is perhaps the one man who cannot be moved from the openers’ slot. Through his ODI career, he has only opened the batting and has fared well since his comeback during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Moving him down the order may not pay dividends as Dhawan looks good for the challenge upfront. There may be an argument put forward which says that he did well against the old ball during the Brisbane Test recently, when he had retired hurt. However, in one-day cricket, you need Dhawan’s power upfront and he can set the tone for the innings.
Rohit Sharma: When he was away during an injury break, Rahane made strides as an opener, prompting arguments to put Rohit back in the middle-order. However, his innings of 264 put him back in the race to open the batting and he has the edge over Rahane given that performance. Rohit has opened the batting with Dhawan since 2013 and has formed a fairly successful partnership. The only questions remain over their performances in foreign conditions. Though they did well in England and the West Indies, South Africa and New Zealand remained unconquered. Australia will present similar challenges.
Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane was promoted to open the batting when Rohit injured himself on the tour to England. He responded with a few good knocks, most notably two centuries. Rahane brings solidity to the table and has arguably the tightest technique amongst the three. Perhaps he can add solidity to the top by complementing the flashy opener. He could be the man if India need someone more stable in the bouncy Australian conditions.
So, it is mainly a toss-up between Rohit and Rahane to partner Dhawan. The man who loses that race should bat at No. 4 in all likelihood. Virat Kohli is well settled at No. 3 and there is no point in moving the best batsman from his preferred spot. During the upcoming tri-series, we will certainly know who settles into the opening spot heading into the ICC World Cup 2015. There could be a bit of shuffling to start, but by the second round, the team management would have figured out the solution.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)
