4 potential No.4 batsmen for India

Cricket is often known as the batsman's game. Countries from the subcontinent like India and Sri Lanka majorly rely on their batting power. But they have been let down by their batsmen quite a number of times in the recent past.The number four batsman in the batting order is very important as the person more or less controls the flow of the innings. Yuvraj Singh's pathetic knock in the final against Sri Lanka is an ideal example of the importance of that position. Until he came, India were going on quite well.They were laying a foundation for all their explosive batsmen to utilize. But the 21 balls that he faced changed the complexion of the match. Yuvraj plodded and plodded until his batting got the better of him. If India were to continue like this, they would have little or no chance of defending their World Cup triumph of 2011. So let us look at four people who I feel can steer India ahead in that position.

#1 Cheteshwar Pujara

Known to have a sound technique and the temperament required to play the long innings, Cheteshwar Pujara was touted to be the next big thing in Indian cricket after the Fab Four. But wait, he was chosen as a test player.

Why?

He is clearly India's best batsman with regards to technique and his ability to play the rising ball with rather ease gives him an extra edge over few of his contemporaries.

He has often been neglected for the One Day team on account of him being too slow. But he has shun all his critics over the past few years as he has scored bucket full of runs in the domestic circuit.

It is still bamboozling to see as to why he isn't getting picked for the one day team considering his performances. Fingers crossed though as all of India duly want him in that position for the next World Cup.

#2 Ajinkya Rahane

A proven performer in the domestic circuit, Ajinkya Rahane is one of the country's best batsmen when it comes to playing the quickies. He has shown the world that he is adaptable to any position in the batting order.

While he generally opens for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, he bats at the number four position for his Ranji side, Mumbai. Rahane is one of the few people to score more than a thousand runs in a calendar year in the Ranji Trophy.

Although this Mumbaikar has predominantly plays in the lower middle order for the national side, he would definitely be a safe bet at the number four position too.

#3 Suresh Raina

Yes, Suresh Raina. He is already there in the team but he often bats in the lower middle order thereby giving him little chance of showcasing what he truly possesses. His drives are a treat to watch.

Playing the spinners is his forte. But the only dent in his armoury is the inability to play the rising ball. That would be a serious problem considering India is playing the next World Cup in Trans-Tasman territory where pace is the go-to for every bowler.

He has developed his own method of playing the short ball but it hasn't been tested well enough. His repertoire of shots is good enough to fit into any team and his ascension up the order would be a delight for his fans and team alike.

#4 Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu has been one of the best talents coming out of the IPL. He was one of the many who were banned due to their participation in the Indian Cricket League. But after the ban was taken off, Rayudu has had a new lease of life.

He has shown that for almost every team he has played for. In the early 2000s, strong domestic form brought him to the attention of the national selectors, who made him the captain of the Indian Under-19 side; he was touted to be the next ‘Sachin Tendulkar’ in his early career.

But a series of on-field incidents and disputes with domestic boards led to his ostracisation from the national side. But now, he has made a startling comeback and is back in the reckoning. He has a sound technique and his text book batting makes him a very good player for that position.