MS Dhoni batted at number five in the match against Hong Kong.
On the eve of India-Pakistan clash in the ongoing Asia Cup, former pacer Zaheer Khan has said veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni should bat at the crucial No. 4 position given his vast experience.
MS Dhoni batted at number five in the match against Hong Kong. However, the former Indian captain failed to get off the mark and was out for a duck after facing just three balls.
Dhoni's batting form has been under scanner recently with critics pointing out his unability to finish games for India as he used to do regularly in the early stages of his career.
Many have suggested sending Dhoni up the order at No. 3 or No. 4 to use his experienced better and give him more time to settle down.
Dhoni usually takes some time to settle down these days and that is a problem when he is batting down the order with very few balls to spare.
"At No. 4, I do feel someone like MS Dhoni needs to give a go ahead because keeping the World Cup in mind, it's a very crucial position to soak in pressure and play according to the situation," Zaheer, a Star Sports Select Dugout expert, said Tuesday.
"So far, the Indian team has been winning matches when they have had a great start, but in situations where they do not have a good start, experience is required to control the situation," noted the 39-year-old, a veteran of 92 Tests and 200 one day internationals.
India, who started their Asia Cup campaign against minnows Hong Kong Tuesday, will take on arch rivals Pakistan Wednesday.
Regular skipper Virat Kohli has been rested for the Asia Cup after a gruelling England tour and Rohit Sharma is leading the team.
Rahul at No. 3
The former left-arm speedster also felt that the hundred struck by KL Rahul in the last and the fifth Test against England last week will bolster his confidence in the continental showpiece being held in the UAE.
"Rahul will get some confidence from his last test match innings. The brilliant 150 (149) which he scored should give him enough self-assurance."
"He should be the one batting at No. 3 as Rohit (Sharma) and Shikhar (Dhawan) have been extremely consistent batting at one and two and Rahul will be filling in the gap with regards to Kohli," noted Zaheer.
KL Rahul was rested for the game against with Ambati Rayudu batting at the one-down position. Rayudu scored a half century in the match.
(With PTI Inputs)
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