Rahane will open in ODI series against West Indies: Virat Kohli

June 22 (CRICKETNMORE) - Indian regular opener Rohit Sharma, who opened along with Shikhar Dhawan in the recently concluded Champions Trophy in the United Kingdom, has been rested for the West Indies tour.

India captain Virat Kohli said that Ajinkya Rahane will open alongside Shikhar Dhawan in the upcoming five-match ODI series starting on Friday. Kohli said:"We have Ajinkya who we had as a back-up opener in the Champions Trophy. He will start for sure with Shikhar Dhawan (in West Indies series). He is someone who has done well at the opener's slot."

Opening is the slot that suits Rahane, feels his skipper. "He has batted in the middle order also but we see him to be more powerful in the opening slot, that is where he can play his game the best," Kohli said on the eve of the first ODI beginning in Port of Spain on Friday.

1st ODI (Preview) - India vs West Indies

Saurabh