It has been learnt that the Indian team management is very happy with Shankar's technique and more importantly his temperament in pressure situations.

The hugely popular Suresh Raina (56), coming in at number three, was the only batter to post a half-century.

Dhoni got down to business and was seen discussing with head coach Stephen Fleming and batting coach Mike Hussey.

India have tried a number of players for the spot including Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar and Ambati Rayudu but all of them have failed at times under pressure.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that Virat Kohli along with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma should be India's top three as that is their strong point.

Ravi Shastri said that India don't want to loose too many wickets early on in a match and if a situation arrives as such, Virat Kohli could be pushed down the order.

After winning the match, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma picked out all-rounder Kedar Jadhav for special praise.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that the determination of this Indian team is what makes it different from other teams.

Rohit said despite knowing that the Westpac Stadium pitch would be fast-bowling friendly with moisture on it, he decided to bat first after winning the toss. 

Ambati Rayudu starred with the bat with a 113-ball 90 before Hardik Pandya tonked the ball around for a 22-ball 45 to guide India to 252 from 49.5 overs in Wellington.

Ambati Rayudu, Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal were the stars for India in their 35-run win over New Zealand in Wellington.

Ambati Rayudu scored 90 while Hardik Pandya smashed a 22-ball 45 and took two wickets as India beat New Zealand by 35 runs to take the five-match series 4-1.

The 33-year-old India player was reported on 13 January for a suspect action during the first one-day international of their series against Australia in Sydney.

Ambati Rayudu impressed with his batting at No.4 but former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that he needs to score runs outside India to cement his place in the Indian side.

Indians wouldn't be too concerned though as the No.4 batsman is only a part-time bowler and has taken just three wickets from 46 ODIs.

India vice-captain Rohit Sharma said that according to him, MS Dhoni is India's ideal No.4 in ODIs.

After winning a historic Test series a few days ago, India aim to repeat the performance under the lights with the white ball.

Sunil Gavaskar recently had suggested that Dhoni should play a bit of first-class cricket in order to remain match-fit.

Rayudu plays only one format for India and his decision to quit Ranji Trophy and play ODIs and IPL raised a few eyebrows.

Rayudu had scored 100 in the fourth ODI against West Indies while batting at number 4 and, after the game, Rohit had said Rayudu had solved the number 4 mystery of the team.