Though every department of Indian National Cricket Team looking rock solid ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, the major query of India’s number 4 batsman still remained the same. There are quite a few options in the hand for the Indian management with Ambati Rayudu, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni all being able to play at that slot. Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting feels India missed trying out Shreyas Iyer.
With every single game, the debates for the number 4 position in the Indian National Cricket Team is mounting high. Recently, Ravi Shastri quoted that Virat Kohli might get to bat at number 4 for the team thus letting either KL Rahul or Ambati Rayudu play at number 3 slot.
They can fit in KL Rahul, Maybe – Ricky Ponting
The head coach of Delhi Capitals felt that the Indian team should have tried Shreyas Iyer at number 4. He felt that Iyer had a good domestic season under his belt, which would have helped him to garner runs at the national level. Further, he shared his excitement to catch up with Shreyas Iyer.
He went on to add saying that India tried quite a few options in the series against Australia as well. Ponting feels it is an interesting conundrum. On concluding note, he said that India might fit in KL Rahul at number 4.
”They tried a few even during the recent Australia series. Rayudu was there, Rishabh, Shankar. They could have also have tried Shreyas Iyer. He is a very good player. He has had a great domestic season. I am excited to catch up with him. It’s an interesting conundrum; maybe, they can fit in KL Rahul in that spot,” Ricky Ponting said to Cricbuzz.
Earlier, Ambati Rayudu pressed his case further to stick at number 4 for the team with a scintillating century in the final ODI of the series against New Zealand. However, it isn’t the same for Rayudu anymore. He failed to make his mark in the series against Australia in Indian Conditions.
Recently, Virat Kohli quoted that he is not a new guest to the number 4 slot, as he did that quite a few times for the team. He believes that he can play his natural game either at number 3 or number 4, as it demands the same set of skills.
The Indian skipper got a quality batting average at number 4 for the team. Though the numbers at third position look astounding, the number 4 figures also look quite dominating for Virat Kohli. He excelled in both the positions to perfection.