Shortest among five cricketers: Dhoni is taller than Virat but shorter than Raina. Rohit is shorter than Dhoni but taller than Shikhar. Who is the shortest?

Introduction / Context:Height-order questions often yield a full chain, but sometimes the data underdetermine the extremes. Here we must decide the shortest person using two mini-chains that do not fully connect all five individuals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Raina > Dhoni > Virat.
• Dhoni > Rohit > Shikhar.
• No direct comparison between Virat and Shikhar.

Concept / Approach:Combine the chains where possible: Raina is above Dhoni; Dhoni is above both Virat and Rohit; Rohit is above Shikhar. We know Shikhar is below Rohit, and Virat is below Dhoni, but we lack Virat vs. Shikhar relation.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Construct two consistent examples: (a) Make Virat 170 cm and Shikhar 168 cm ⇒ Shikhar shortest; (b) Make Virat 165 cm and Shikhar 168 cm ⇒ Virat shortest. All constraints remain satisfied in both scenarios.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Picking Dhoni/Rohit as shortest contradicts given “>” relations.
• Picking Virat or Shikhar alone claims certainty we don’t have.

Common Pitfalls:Forcing a total order when the data allow multiple valid arrangements. Always check if a missing comparison exists.

Final Answer:Cannot be determined