Even though Team India are doing wonders in ODI cricket lately, the hunt for a solid No. 4 batsman still continues. Since the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, the Indian team management has tried out as many as seven batsmen in the vital batting position.
The likes of Yuvraj Singh, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu have been given opportunities to seal the key batting slot. Most of them have had their fair share of good moments at No. 4, but none of them really managed to make the crucial batting position his own.
In the ongoing ODI series against Australia, Rayudu batted at four for the first three games and registered the scores of 13, 18 and 2. Subsequently, he was snubbed from the Mohali ODI and skipper Virat Kohli batted at No. 4.
Amidst the dilemma over the crucial batting position, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has backed all-rounder Vijay Shankar to do the job at the second-down spot.
“Vijay Shankar is my number 4 for his ability to hit sixes as well as rotate the strike. Play him as a batsman. As a bowler, he’s worth only three-odd bonus overs, not seven or the full quota of 10,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Assessing Rayudu's case for the same role, he added: “After his 90 against New Zealand in Wellington, I was sure he had cemented his spot. But three low scores and the rise of Vijay Shankar thereafter have put his place in question.”
Earlier, India head coach Ravi Shastri had claimed that he fancies sending Kohli at No. 4 in order to prevent him from the early trouble in the English conditions during the World Cup 2019. Manjrekar, however, feels the Indian captain is an ideal man for the No.3 slot.
“He must bat at No. 3. There is no point in demoting our best batsman, who has set the winning culture in this team,” he opined.
Commenting on Dhoni's role, Manjrekar suggested that the veteran wicketkeeper can be utilised as a floater.
“Use him as a floater,” he stated. “Juggle his batting position based on the situation. Dhoni’s hitting form is very crucial, if India want to go all the way in the World Cup. His place in the side is unchallenged. He doesn’t get out easily and there is no question about his wicketkeeping skills. He has played a pivotal role in the rise of two wrist spinners (Yadav and Chahal). India need Dhoni’s calmness in the World Cup.”
The World Cup starts on May 30 with South Africa taking on hosts England, while the two-time World champions India begin their campaign on June 5 against the Proteas at Southampton.
