Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has defended Ambati Rayadu at number four position in the Indian batting line up for the upcoming ICC World Cup. However, as the World Cup is around the corner and the team has been struggling for quite some time for that place, Hayden thought that Rayadu could do justice in that place. Though he was not a part of the playing XI in Mohali and Delhi ODI for their recently concluded series against Australia.
Meanwhile, in a recent interview after Australia series, Team India captain Virat Kohli expressed that they’re more or less sure about the line-up except for the one spot.
“As a side, combination wise, we are pretty sorted.Maximum one change, you’ll get to see in the World Cup. As a side, we’re balanced. The XI is clear in our head. We just have to take better decisions in pressure situations to go far in the World Cup,” Virat Kohli said in an interview.
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After having lost both the T20I matches against Australia, India bounced back wonderfully and won their first two games. But Australia proved a stronger side and claimed back to back wins and won the ODI series by 3-2. Once again, India’s middle-order crumbled in a pressure situation. However, this no. 4 spot is needed to be solved very soon. India gave chances many batsmen in that place, no one was able to grab the chance properly.
Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu got more attention than others in that particular position ahead of the World Cup where Hayden thinks Rayudu is the right choice for the place. Recently, Rayudu scored 90 runs against New Zealand in their home soil.
“Rayudu is my man. I can’t believe India is even questioning that. For so long, he has been so good. I don’t know why they are questioning, maybe because you need to speak about something before the World Cup,” Matthew Hayden told IANS.
Though Rayudu has managed to score only one hundred apart from two half-centuries in his 14 innings. However, Hayden also said that KL Rahul too has the potential but he sees him only as a pure opener.
“I don’t see Rahul taking that slot as much as I admire him. His time will come. And if anything he is more of a stand-by opener for me as opposed to the number four slot,” Hayden said again.
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In the fourth ODI against Australia in Mohali, KL Rahul walked into bat at No. 3 and scored a 31-ball 26. Kohli, scored seven while came at No. 4. In the final match, Rishabh Pant scored run-a-ball 16 while came at No. 4 position.
