No.4 is Dhoni's best position, claims Sourav Ganguly

According to Ganguly, Dhoni has to promote himself up the order to put pressure on the bowling team and to give the Ranchi-born batsman a chance to showcase his abilities. Ganguly also claimed that a top order of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni would convert India into a "very dangerous" side.

"It was something that I wanted to do for a long time, but if you are batting at No.5 or No.6, and especially when your top order is batting brilliantly, you don't get to chance to bat how you want to bat," Ganguly told IndiaToday.

"I think No.4 is his best position because he is a terrific one-day player. Dhoni at No. 4 is a dangerous player and it's his need and the team's need. India chased 285 with ease the other night."

"India were 50/2 (41/2) when Dhoni came in to bat in Mohali. I don't think it's just his need, I think it's the team's need because when you have Rohit (Sharma), Shikhar (Dhawan), Virat and Dhoni in the top four who are capable of winning matches. I think they become a very dangerous side."

MS Dhoni had also spoken along the same lines after the win over New Zealand stating that he could afford to take some risks if he came up the batting order.

"The first thing that helps (when batting at No.4) is you are only two down. It was important for me to start with a positive intent. I could have got out, but that is the risk you can afford to take if you are batting at No. 4," Dhoni had said.

The former captain also backed Ajinkya Rahane stating that the Mumbai-born cricketer should retain his place in the limited-overs team comparing his style to legendary batsman Rahul Dravid. Rahane has struggled in the ODI series scoring just 66 runs in three games with a high score of 33. Ganguly said, not being as flamboyant as his other team-mates, Rahane needs to be given a specific role in the team.

"Rahane needs to settle down and Dhoni and Anil Kumble need to have a word with him," Ganguly added.

"I don't think Rahane's place is in doubt. He is a bit like Rahul Dravid. When Dravid came in, he struggled with his run-rate. He got a role and that's what the team management needs to do with Rahane.

"He is not a boundary-hitter. He needs a bit of time and then keep hitting deliveries in the gap. To think of leaving him out from the ODI side will be an absolute blunder by the team."