Former Indian skipper, Sourav Ganguly is worried for the Indian team as they are yet to find a permanent solution to their no.4 position for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, starting May 30. India has been trying various options for that spot for a long time, but apart from an occasional spark here and there, no one has been able to cement themselves at that position.
So far, the only batsman who possibly looked like an answer to India’s woes a no.4 has been Ambati Rayudu, who played some wonderful knocks against the Windies at home, in the Asia Cup 2018 and against New Zealand in the recent ODI series. However, his recent struggles against Australia in the ongoing home series had put his chances in jeopardy. So far, Rayudu has scores of 13, 18 and 2 in the ongoing series against Australia.
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Indian team management has been trying to find an apt solution for that position. Recently, they even attempted to make Indian captain Virat Kohli bat at no.4, with KL Rahul being drafted into the team in place of Ambati Rayudu. Vijay Shankar showed some spark at that position; however, it was in the T20I series against New Zealand. But his batting acumen is much better than his bowling and team management may give him a chance.
Meanwhile, Ganguly also threw light on India’s defeat at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, as the hosts failed to defend 359 and the series was leveled 2-2, with the last ODI to be played in Delhi on March 13. Talking to India TV, “There was a lot of dew. It was difficult. I don’t think we should read too much into one defeat and it does not hamper World Cup preparations.”
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Even Kohli had acknowledged that Australian were better in the Mohali ODI. India’s inability to get the fifth bowler’s overs out of the way and the dew factor made it difficult for the spinners to gain an advantage later in the match. Also sloppy fielding and dropped catches were crucial in India losing the match.
