Most successful number five batsmen for India in ODIs
The last recognized batting position in most batting lineups, the number 5 slot forms the barrier between the top order and the lower order. In Test matches, the batsmen coming to bat at this position have to form vital partnerships with the all rounders and the tailenders. In ODIs, however, they have the job of finishing the inning with some aggressive stroke-play. Sometimes, when the situation demands, they have to change their batting style to stabilize the innings as well.
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In the past, legends like Arjuna Ranatunga, Steve Waugh and Inzamam-ul-Haq have won many a number of matches for their respective teams from this position. MS Dhoni has been batting at this position for some time now, and, in the past as well, India has produced some world class batsmen from this number 5 slot. Here are six of their very best.
#6 Ajay Jadeja
A reliable and steady batsman, Ajay Jadeja was a permanent fixture of India's coloured outfit squad during the 1990s. For a large part of his career, Jadeja played as a floater in the team, someone who could bat at any position, be it opening the inning or just before the bowlers. Hence, his batting slot was never fixed. However, during majority of his ODI career, he came to bat either at number 5 or 6.
Batting at number 5 in 55 ODI innings, the former ODI skipper scored 1496 runs at an average of 35.62 and a respectable strike rate of 76. Two of his six ODI centureis came while batting from this position. In a batting lineup that had Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid and Azharuddin as the top four, Jadeja's contribution during the final overs won India many matches.