Is KL Rahul India's best No. 5 bet in ODIs?

KL Rahul has played 50 of 126 ODIs for India since his debut. He has scored 915 runs in 23 innings at an average of 43.57. His strike rate of 79.70 is not up to the mark for modern cricket. India has finally decided to play him at No. 5 and he has performed well in a few opportunities. He is India's best bet in that position for the upcoming World Cup. The article will take a look at how batting at number 5 suits him.

KL Rahul plays spin very well in ODI cricket. He averages 48.78 with a healthy strike rate of 91.18 against all kinds of spinners. His numbers are even better against left-arm spin. Recently, on a slow Dhaka pitch, he was the only one to negate the threat of Bangladesh spiners. He looked the most secure batsman against the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

KL Rahul has played 15 ODI innings batting at No. 5 and has shown that he can play both roles to perfection. He has scored 288 runs in the last 10 overs at an impressive strike rate of 162.71. He did all the ugly batting and soaked up the pressure to help his team to victory. His numbers while batting in death overs are also a reason why the team backs him in middle order role.

KL Rahul is India's best No. 5 player in ODIs. He plays in the middle order and is flexible enough to play an extra player or extra bowler.