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'Raina deserves that No.4 slot, he's the best option'

March 21, 2016 08:40 IST

IMAGE: Indian team captain MS Dhoni along with team mates Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina during a practice session. Photograph: PTI.

Indian captain MS Dhoni has backed the struggling Suresh Raina and said he deserves to be there at No.4 despite his string of poor shows.

"That's the obvious question people would ask if one or two batsmen are not scoring runs. If Shikhar (Dhawan) does not score runs, there will be questions why not Ajinkya for opener...It's important to back players.

"There're too many players who need to bat at No.3. Stats say a lot of individuals can bat at No.3 but Virat (Kohli) has an edge.

"The same way, I feel Raina deserves that No.4 more than anyone else. Overall, he's the best option."

In the match against Pakistan Raina was bowled by Mohammad Sami for a golden duck. This, after he had managed only a single in the tournament opener against New Zealand, a match which the hosts lost.

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