India's limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma had talked about MS Dhoni's promotion to the number 4 position. Skipper Virat Kohli heard him and decided to bat Dhoni at number 4 for the last ODI against Australia. It paid off for the men in blue as the 37-year-old went on to score 87* in a winning cause for India. 

Dhoni's close friend and out-of-favor India cricketer Suresh Raina also feels the number 4 slot is ideal for the wicket-keeper batsman.

“The last couple of games, he has been batting well. He can bat well with the tailenders also. If he can bat at four, he can also finish games with the five, six and seven. A lot of players can play around him,” Raina told Sportstar.

The Chennai Super Kings' star batsman also added that Virat Kohli's support is helping Dhoni to stand up and fight despite failing repeatedly last year. “He has been playing with a positive frame of mind. He is hitting the ball really well, and most importantly, he is getting a lot of backup and support from Virat (Kohli).”

“If you have the support of the captain, then you just go out there and express yourself. The No 4 slot suits him,” he added.

Even former India cricketer S Badrinath believes playing Dhoni a little up is where India can utilize his experience. “Since Dhoni is experienced, he is capable to bat up the order where he can take his time and control the innings. He has so many balls to play. I think he is taking to it really well.  Now, he is thinking like a batsman, which is important. You need to think like a middle-order batsman. He is pacing his innings well,” he said.

India and New Zealand will play 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is, Badrinath sees it very helpful for India. “The series against New Zealand as well as the World Cup will happen outside India. It will suit Dhoni really well. The wickets will not be as slow as the subcontinent. It augurs well for him,” he added.

(With Inputs of Sporstar Live)