He's regarded very highly but there's competition for spots. He's competing with Pujara and Kohli. But in the long run, Pujara, Rahane and Kohli will bat 3, 4 and 5 for India.
I have a feeling that Abishek Nayar could end up as your number 6, doing a Kallis role, he's looked the part from what I've seen!
Nayar will never play Test cricket whilst MSD is captain. MSD doesn't rate Nayar.Pujara needs to bat higher as well
Think of Dhoni like Brearley - it's his personality rather than his acumen or ability that manifests itself in his captaincy; he's as hard as nails basically
Well I don't think much to Dhoni, I'd rather Nayar in my side than him. Don't think much to Dhoni's keeping, it's sloppy, and his batting is hit and miss!
Personally MSD is a fine leader and more importantly he wants to captain India, whereas guys like Sachin, Dravid don't want the job.Nayar averages 46 with bat and 29 with ball, not good enough at either batting or bowling
Better bowling average than Sree or Sharma, and you never know, he could come good, think about Vaughan and Trescothick, he might flourish at test level!
I think Nayar could be a decent number 7, his technique is slightly loose around off stump coupled with his all ways very aggressive so batting at 7 he would add balance. For Nayar to be more useful, the return of Irfan Pathan would be very benefical. As Nayar and Irfan at 7 and 8 adds depth to batting.
Those 2, combined with Zaheer, Ashwin/Bhaji and another seamer would make for a very, very good attack...