Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar stressed that it is sheer injustice as the Team India and its management mull to push Virat Kohli to bat at number four spot in the upcoming 2019 World Cup. The former Indian cricketer Manjrekar maintained it would be a bit tough for Rayudu who’s already proved his mettle at the No.4 position for the Men in Blue.
With debate taking centre stage, the focus is purely on the batting department. The ex-cricketers have backed Rayudu to continue following hi precedented success at the No.4 fold.
It’s unfair for Rayudu if he would lose the No.4 spot: Manjrekar
During the first ODI at Hyderabad where India clinched the match by six wickets, Manjrekar wide-opened the bat spots by backing Rayudu for the fourth spot. He added a decent knock against the Black Caps at Wellington in the fifth ODI should have put an end to the debate.
“I think they are still looking for somebody to bat at No.4. There are talks that Virat Kohli would bat at No.4 and get Rahul to bat at No.3. It is really unfair on Ambati Rayudu who has proven himself at No.4. That 90 should have been a clincher. And he is still worried about 4,5,6,” Manjrekar told on Star Sports.
Earlier, Indian National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri has pushed the idea of playing Kohli at No.4 which has subsequently sparked the debate.
To explain the narrative, Shastri stressed that his position would be decided as per the requirement and situation in the English conditions for the quadrennial event.
Shastri maintained it would also help India to rely on the stability and right batting combination. In response, Kohli has accoladed the efforts of Shastri.
“Someone like Virat Kohli can go to number four. And we can put a good number three to bring more balance to the batting line-up,” Kohli told Cricbuzz.
Furthermore, the discussion of the spot has further impressed many to play Rayudu at No.3 position.
With middle-order often been a cause of serious concern for India, the management has tested many of the batters. Interestingly, MS Dhoni’s promotion has strengthened Team India.
However, Rayudu settled well in between to amass 444 runs at the batting average of 49.33 in 12 innings since India faced the Windies in October 2018.
Also, Rayudu punctuated it with a good outing in the Asia Cup 2018. Recently, he played a 90-run knock against New Zealand to strengthen his case. It has further paved him a way to deliver at the forefront.
Kohli hints of being ready for any challenge in the ODI showpiece:
While responding to Shastri’s comments, India skipper Kohli maintained he has batted on numerous occasions at No.4. Owing to the plan, the 30-year-old remarked he has always focused on his game. He added changing the numbers wouldn’t force him to change his approach towards the game.
“I’ve batted a lot of times at number four. I don’t necessarily try it out as I’ve done that a lot in the past. My game doesn’t change much from number three to four because the template is quite similar. In any given situation I try to play the game I know,” Kohli told media ahead of the first ODI in Hyderabad.
As of now, India is taking on Australia while leading the five-match ODI series. The second ODI will commence from March 5 (Tuesday) in Nagpur.