Team India’s No. 4 conundrum in the 50-over format has been a topic of discussion for some time now.  With the fast-approaching 2019 World Cup, the Men in Blue are desperate to sort out this issue.

The likes of Yuvraj Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu have been given opportunities to seal the key batting slot since the last World Cup. While most of them have had their fair share of good moments at No. 4, none of them have really managed to make the crucial batting position his own.

Amidst the dilemma, former India captain Kapil Dev has said that batting slots should be decided according to the match situation.

“There is a lot of talk about that No. 4 slot. When we were playing, we fixed numbers, but now a days, there are no numbers. All the players play at any number, and they are all good. Players should play like a team. Don’t fix numbers. Play according to the situation,” the 1983 World Cup winning captain quoted as saying by PTI.

Although Kapil acknowledged Rishabh Pant’s ability, he reckons that the 21-year-old has a very long way to go.

“(MS) Dhoni has set the standard very high. Yes, Pant has the ability but he has a long way to go,” he added.

Kapil also picked Dhoni as his favourite all-rounder among current cricketers.

“Are only bowling all-rounders, and fast bowling all-rounders considered all-rounders? I would consider wicket-keepers also. For me, Dhoni comes in very high,” he opined.

Kapil further said he rates Ravichandran Ashwin as a good all-rounder in Test cricket and tipped Ravindra Jadeja to become an excellent all-round cricketer.

“If Jadeja puts his head to it, he can become a very good all-rounder,” he asserted, adding that England's Ben Stokes is cut above the rest among the all-rounders.

(With PTI inputs)