Has Virat Kohli-led Team India zeroed in on their No.4 batsman for World Cup 2019?

India have been known for their use of a surprise spell in every World Cup. Back in 2003, they had picked Dinesh Mongia as a spin-bowling all-rounder instead of VVS Laxman. In 2011, Yuvraj Singh was used as a fifth-bowling option throughout the tournament as he scalped 15 wickets. So, could we witness another ‘joker in the pack’ this time around? Well, a certain whisper out of the dressing room has hinted towards such a step in deciding India’s debatable No.4 spot.

Since Champions Trophy 2017, 11 batsmen have been tried at the position but none have managed to stake a claim. So dire was the situation that even skipper Virat Kohli had to step in during the Mohali game against Australia earlier this month. India had backed Ambati Rayudu for the spot following his stellar performances in the Asia Cup 2018 and in the series against West Indies. But inconsistency with the bat along with a few statements of concern over the No.4 spot from Kohli had kept the debate alive in cricket talk shows. But Rayudu shrugged off all critics with a heroic 90 against New Zealand but followed it up with scores of 13, 18 and 2 against Australia at home before being benched for the last two matches. Despite having over 400 runs at the spot since Asia Cup averaging over 47, sources hinted that Rayudu has failed to give selectors that level of confidence that Vijay Shankar has managed with his batting prowess.

India have been known for their use of a surprise spell in every World Cup. Back in 2003, they had picked Dinesh Mongia as a spin-bowling all-rounder instead of VVS Laxman. In 2011, Yuvraj Singh was used as a fifth-bowling option throughout the tournament as he scalped 15 wickets. So, could we witness another ‘joker in the pack’ this time around? Well, a certain whisper out of the dressing room has hinted towards such a step in deciding India’s debatable No.4 spot.

Since Champions Trophy 2017, 11 batsmen have been tried at the position but none have managed to stake a claim. So dire was the situation that even skipper Virat Kohli had to step in during the Mohali game against Australia earlier this month. India had backed Ambati Rayudu for the spot following his stellar performances in the Asia Cup 2018 and in the series against West Indies. But inconsistency with the bat along with a few statements of concern over the No.4 spot from Kohli had kept the debate alive in cricket talk shows. But Rayudu shrugged off all critics with a heroic 90 against New Zealand but followed it up with scores of 13, 18 and 2 against Australia at home before being benched for the last two matches. Despite having over 400 runs at the spot since Asia Cup averaging over 47, sources hinted that Rayudu has failed to give selectors that level of confidence that Vijay Shankar has managed with his batting prowess.

“Let’s get one thing clear. Ambati Rayudu has not inspired the highest level of confidence as number four after his 90 at Wellington. Things can still change if he has a good IPL but there has been a growing feeling that he is uncomfortable against anything above medium pace,” a source in the know of things told PTI on Tuesday.

Rayudu’s statistics reveal that he is stronger against comparatively weaker bowling attacks like Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and the West Indies. And in the series against Australia, his problem against the seaming ball was exposed by Pat Cummins.

On the other hand, Shankar’s ability to rotate strike, hit grounded shots and give Kohli a few overs in the middle makes him a likely and a stronger candidate for the spot.

“There are two ways to look at Vijay Shankar’s elevation. The pros are that he has the ability to rotate strike and is also a power hitter. At Wellington, he showed that he can tackle quality swing and has time to play pace. The flip side is only nine ODIs going into the World Cup. Will the team management take that risk? Let’s wait till IPL,” he said.

Shankar’s inclusion in the playing XI does not leave Hardik Pandya out as he would pick himself for the No.7 slot while Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni will precede him respectively.

“We are sorted combination wise. We know our playing XI going into the World Cup. There will be just one change based on conditions.

“When Hardik Pandya comes back, he will give depth in batting and also open up options in bowling. We know where we are going. We are clear about our playing XI,” Kohli said after the last ODI against Australia.