India need firepower in middle-order, finalise batting positions ahead of ODI World Cup: Ajit Agarkar

Former pacer Ajit Agarkar feels the Indian team needs to sort out its batting order ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup while adding that the Rohit Sharma-led side will start as favourites in the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies.

Beginning its preparations for the big-ticket event, India will take on the West Indies in an ODI series, beginning with the first game in Ahmedabad on Sunday, under a new leader at the helm.

“The positions need to be cemented, whichever it is or wherever they are going to bat, whether Rahul is going to come in the middle then he has to stay in the middle for me over the course of the next year and a half till we approach that world cup,” Agarkar said on Star Sports.

“So, that clarity has to be there because at the moment there are some gaps from 4, 5 and 6 which will need some firepower in those positions.

It will be the first assignment for new white-ball skipper Rohit Sharma, who had missed the Test series against South Africa due to a left-hamstring injury and was subsequently also forced to skip the ODIs against the Proteas as he couldn’t attain full fitness.

“India are very tough to beat at home. I think with Rohit Sharma coming back a lot fresher, India will start as favourites there’s no doubt, especially in the ODI series,” Agarkar said.

India will host the 13th edition of the World Cup during October and November 2023.