SportsCenter’s Achint Gupta tells you why it is better to have specialists opening the innings in the West Indies.

As India take on West Indies in the first match of the four-match ODI series at Kingston, there is a question mark on India's opening partnership.

Who will accompany Gautam Gambhir in the middle? Will it be Rohit Sharma or Murali Vijay?

An ugly dismissal of an Indian opener in English conditions was considered a thing of past until Rohit Sharma was found wanting against Ryan Sidebottom.

The promising middle-order batsman may have scored runs against the minnows upfront but against stronger opposition Rohit was all at sea. So now that the focus has shifted to the 50-over format, should

Team India persist with Rohit as an opener?

"I think Rohit should bat at 4 as his game is more suited in the middle-order in the 50-over format," said Dinesh Lad, Rohit Sharma's coach.

Murali Vijay - the other opener traveling with the Indian team has got the reputation of being an orthodox batsmen who negates pace and bounce really well. If West Indies does carry on their tactics of bowling short like they did in T20 World Cup, Vijay would be an ideal replacement for Rohit Sharma.

"We need a specialist to do the job in West Indies as early swing could trouble the batsmen. I think Murali Vijay is the perfect choice to open with Gautam Gambhir," said Prvaeen Amre.

Here's a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both the batsmen:

Rohit can clear the field with ease if he find the middle of the bat but can struggle against the moving ball.

Vijay on the other hand can play safe and still pierce the field but if he hits the balls straight to the fielder then he can struggle to even rotate strike.

Rohit strengths as an opener:

- Play aerial shots

- Give momentum to the innings

Vijay's strengths as an opener:

- Can negate early swing and play safe

- Will allow Gambhir to dictate

Rohit weakness as an opener:

- May falter against early swing

- Rising deliveries is a problem

Vijay's weakness as an opener:

- Struggle to hit big shots

- May get extra cautious

Moreover, Rohit's use as an opener robs India of a genuine finisher which doesn't augur well for India.

So in the time of consolidation, India will do well to open with Murali Vijay.