The number 4 batting position in the Indian batting line-up is the most debatable topic at the moment with the arrival of the upcoming 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, while some are backing Ambati Rayudu for the slot, some are against him owing to his recent struggles in the white-ball cricket.

Rayudu, the Hyderabad batsman, is the most tested player in the One Day International cricket at this slot, but unfortunately, he could not leave the mark and prove his consistency to be picked in the Indian squad for the 2019 World Cup to be played in England from 30 May.

The middle-order batsman came under the scanner following his poor outing against Australia (13, 18 and 2) at home, and many Indian cricket greats have opined that the young all-rounder Vijay Shankar could be an ideal choice for the no.4 slot instead of Rayudu in the World Cup 2019.  

However, 2011 World Cup hero Gautam Gambhir has different views on the same, saying Indian Team Management should have backed Rayudu for the No.4 spot instead of dropping him only because of his failure against Australia, as the players should not be dropped only after two or three failures.

Speaking to India Today, Gambhir opined, “If you want a settled batting order in the World Cup, then the No. 4 has to be decided beforehand and he should be backed completely.”

Former India opener continued, “You have backed others too. You backed MS Dhoni too last year and even Shikhar Dhawan. Ambati Rayudu averages nearly 50 in ODIs, he hasn't done anything wrong. Failures are part and parcel of the game. You didn't drop any other player after two or three failures.”

Gambhir signed off by saying, “No. 4 should have been a settled position by now. Virat Kohli played the 2011 World Cup at No. 4. Whoever the team management decides to back should be backed to the hilt and they should stay patient with him. It is a very important slot and you can't have a floater at No 4 because of the No. 3 and No. 4 makes the core of your middle order.”

(With India Today Inputs)