There is certainly no doubt about the fact that India will start as one of the contenders for the 2019 World Cup but their concern surrounding the No 4 spot isn’t fixed yet. During the course of the IPL, the Indian team management will definitely keep an eye on the performances of players who may become a viable option for the No 4 spot in the ICC World Cup 2019.
Ambati Rayudu had grabbed his opportunity with both hands during the series in New Zealand. However, he has been inconsistent ever since which doesn’t make him an automatic choice for the World Cup. The Men in Blue are expected to name the 15 member World Cup squad in a few days time. It is still unsure who will bat at No 4 for India.
The quadrennial event is slated to be played in England and Wales from 30th May and India will look to reclaim the title which they won in 2011.
Now let us have a look at 5 players who can bat at No 4 for India in the World Cup
Rishabh Pant
The pocket-sized dynamite is a powerful striker of the ball and can demolish any bowling line-up on his day. His big abilities make him a power to reckon with and he might well turn out to be the game changer for India if given a chance at No 4 in the World Cup.
He is a capable batsman but his percentage of mistimed shots is pretty high. Rishabh Pant also needs to improve in certain areas in wicket-keeping but he is a special talent and should be given responsibilities at the highest level. Pant might well play in the Indian World Cup team purely as a batsman.
Vijay Shankar
The all-rounder has risen to fame with his impressive performances for India with the bat and the ball. He was earlier remembered for his indifferent knock in the Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh. However, the Indian public has forgotten all of that and is backing Vijay Shankar to bag the No 4 spot in the Indian batting order for the World Cup.
He is a sensible middle-order batsman who can rotate the strike to perfection and can also muscle the ball a long way. Vijay Shankar can also give his captain a few overs which was quite evident during the ODI series against Australia not long ago. Given his temperament, Shankar might be a good option at No 4.
Hardik Pandya
Not many will agree with me on this regard but Hardik Pandya could well be an option for India at No 4 in the upcoming World Cup. Over the last year and a half, Hardik has largely evolved as a player and his batting technique has improved by leaps and bounds. On his day he can take any match away from the opposition.
Hardik has earlier batted at No 4 for India in ODI’s and was successful. He is also one of the most powerful strikers of the ball and can make the ball travel a long way. The younger of the Pandya brothers has already proved his worth for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL.
MS Dhoni
The Indian talisman is arguably the greatest Indian skipper to ever grace the game. Over the years, MS Dhoni has gone on to become one of the biggest sporting icons in the country. With limited batting resources and a sensational cricketing brain, MS Dhoni has made it to a level where everyone else can only dream of reaching.
Given his responsible and calm demeanour, MS Dhoni should be the perfect choice for the No 4 spot in the 2019 World Cup. However, that will restrict India to have Dhoni’s services while finishing the innings. India should be brave enough to ask Dhoni to bat at No 4.
Ajinkya Rahane
The Indian Test vice-captain has been out of the limited-overs side for a long time. However, the team needs him currently even in the 50 overs format as they need someone to steady the ship in the middle overs. Ajinkya Rahane has a bundle of experience which will come in handy if he is picked for the World Cup.
Rahane has also got a good cricketing brain and can make batting look effortless. No 4 might well turn out to be the perfect position for Rahane to bat at.