"MS Dhoni can perform better batting up in the order," says Suresh Raina

MS Dhoni has not been able to score much runs in the ODI series against South Africa.

MS Dhoni should bat at no.4, feels Suresh Raina

MS Dhoni is under fire again after a poor series with the bat against South Africa. The former India skipper failed to provide the fireworks in the lower order when needed.

One of the reason is that he didn't face enough balls to set himself in order to launch the assault in the death overs. Dhoni is not the same batsman he was once and his role has changed in the team but batting position remains the same. As his finishing ability is visibly waning, cricket experts want Dhoni to be used in the upper middle order.

India is on a hunt of a number 4 batsman and for most of the cricket pundits, Dhoni is the best bet at that position. Even Suresh Raina, who will be making his comeback to Indian side thinks Dhoni should bat higher up in the batting order.

"I feel MS Dhoni can do better up the order. He can hit better and get more time. He is the kind of player who if he plays up the order will always keep the team in a strong position," Raina told Sports Tak.

Raina has been chosen in the Indian team that will play the three match T20I series against South Africa starting from 18th of February. "The T20I series will be important, then there's the series in Bangladesh and the IPL. But the experience of 50-overs cricket is very important. It makes a lot of difference - when you play at that position (nos 4 and 5 in the middle order), you won't get any sleep.

"You have to keep chipping in - you have to bowl well and field well so the captain and coach always feel you are an utility player. You have to keep changing gears - if the top three perform well and the middle order does well we can chase down 34- or 350. Whenever Rohit, Shikhar and Kohli play, they always score big." he said.

Raina said he is ready to give it all when representing his country. "I was down because I wasn't playing. I didn't know why I was not playing. I had scored a half-century vs South Africa. I did not give up hope and I will give it my all when I play for my country."

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 16 Feb, 2018

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