India’s No. 4 batsman: Vijay Shankar likely to beat Rayudu for 2019 World Cup spot

Vijay Shankar likely to beat Rayudu: There are murmurs of the rookie Indian all-rounder running past the middle-order batsman.

The conundrum regarding India’s No. 4 batting position in ODIs has grown to an extent that it is doing rounds even during the times of the much-discussed Indian Premier League.

From the selectors and the team management making continuous chopping and changes to the players not performing consistently has put the Indian team in a spot of bother before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Since the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, India have played as many as 12 players at No. 4 in ODIs. The number itself signifies the stretch at which the issue has prevailed over the last four years.

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In a recent interview with PTI, a BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) source was vocal about the deteriorating stakes of middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu. However, he expected a change if the 33-year old batsman continues to do well for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

“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 BCCI source was quoted as saying to PTI.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma praises Ambati Rayudu for scoring 90 in Wellington ODI

Vijay Shankar to replace Ambati Rayudu?

A major reason why Rayudu might be overlooked is the sudden rise of all-rounder vijay Shankar. Despite not batting at No. 4 in his brief ODI career, the right-hand batsman has shown signs of making the position his own at the highest level.

In five ODIs innings so far, Shankar has scored 165 runs at an average of 33 and a strike rate of 96.49. The source eventually put the decision between the two on to their performance in the imminent IPL 2019.

“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 added.

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