Sourav Ganguly on India’s No. 4 in ODIs: The former Indian captain doesn’t seem to be convinced with Ambati Rayudu.
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During the Asia Cup last year, middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu had given significant hints of becoming the solution for India’s problems at No. 4 in the ODI line-up. In 13 ODIs since his comeback after more than two years, Rayudu had scored 405 runs at an average of 50.62 and a strike rate of 89.01.
In six innings at No. 4, Rayudu scored 230 runs at an average of 57.50 and a strike rate of 97.04 including a century and a half-century.
In the first ODI of the ongoing series against Australia at Sydney, Rayudu scored 0 (2). His failure welcomed a lot of criticism for him with respect to his batting at No. 4 in overseas conditions.
Among one of the critics was former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who expressed concerns regarding Rayudu’s batting at No. 4. “I’m concerned about Ambati Rayudu. He has scored runs in the sub-continent but India have to see if he can score runs outside the sub-continent because the World Cup is in England.
“He can’t bat anywhere below No.4. These games in Australia and New Zealand will be very important for him and will decide if he can be India’s No.4 or not,” Ganguly was quoted as saying on India TV.
Despite India captain Virat Kohli advocating for Rayudu at No. 4 till the World Cup, Ganguly shared his contrasting views about the same. “I’m not convinced unless Rayudu can score. Virat has claimed earlier that he has claimed the No. 4 spot but he has to score runs. It’s imperative to allow Rayudu to play so that India can solve the No.4 spot dilemma,” he added.
Since making his debut in 2013, Rayudu has played 10 ODIs in SENA countries. His 249 runs have come at an average of 35.57 and a strike rate of 68.40. While these numbers have nothing to boast about, Rayudu would be looking to improve them in a bid to silence his critics.
