3 alternatives for Ambati Rayudu going into the World Cup

India won the second ODI by five wickets chasing a slightly challenging total of 299. The likes of Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni ensured India leveled the series 1-1. Openers especially Shikhar Dhawan gave a flying start to the chase but failed to convert it into a big score. Rohit Sharma once again showed his calm composure staying till the 20th over and ensured India started well.

Ambati Rayudu, who was out for a duck in the first ODI lived dangerously, failing to play strokes in the middle overs. The number 4 spot, which was a spot of bother for the Indian management before the Asia Cup is again under the scanner going into the World Cup. Rayudu who looked like the correct fit for the slot, failed to reach the expectations in both the ODIs.

India needs to finalize their playing XI in a month as the ICC extravaganza starts in just four months. Many promising cricketers can make an impact at number 4 if given a chance.

---

#3 Shubman Gill

The promising young Indian middle-order batsman who first came into the limelight playing for the Indian U-19 side, is now part of the Indian limited overs squad for the New Zealand tour as a replacement for KL Rahul. Shubman Gill had a promising outing for the Kolkata based IPL franchise scoring 203 runs at an average of 33.83. He might be inexperienced but given enough chances will prove his worth. The Mohali based cricketer had a terrific Ranji season scoring 790 runs in his ten innings at an average of 98.75.

Gill was adjudged the player of the tournament in the 2018 U-19 tournament and will be waiting to showcase his talent. He has a terrific first class career scoring 1089 runs in his nine matches scoring at an average of 77.78. At number 4, Gill might be the strike rotator and stroke-maker that India might be looking for the upcoming World cup.

First Class: Matches- 9, Runs- 1089, Average- 77.78, Best score- 268.

T20's: Matches- 13, Runs- 203, Average- 33.83, Best score- 57.

#2 Manish Pandey

The Karnataka based batsman who made his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2015 is one of the underrated players not getting enough chances to play for the national side, despite his immense talent. Manish Pandey was the first Indian player in the history of Indian Premier League to score a century in the lucrative league.

Pandey has a successful IPL record scoring 2499 runs in his 118 games at an average of 28.08. 2009-10 Ranji season was a very memorable season for the stylish batsman as he was the highest scorer in the season scoring 882 runs, involving four 100s and five 50s.

Pandey has had a short ODI career scoring just 440 runs in his 23 ODI games at an average of 36.67. His match-winning knock of 104* against Australia at SCG is the most memorable innings played by him in the one-dayers. He is currently part of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

ODI: Matches- 23, Runs- 440, Average- 36.67, Highest Score- 104.

T20I: Matches- 28, Runs- 538, Average- 41.38, Highest Score- 79.

IPL: Matches- 118, Runs- 2499, Average- 28.08, Highest Score- 114.

#1 Shreyas Iyer

The stylish batsman who made his international debut against New Zealand in 2017 failed to cement his spot owing to his inconsistent performances in the one-dayers. He is currently the captain of the Delhi based franchise in the Indian Premier League. Shreyas Iyer has had a successful IPL career scoring 1218 runs in his 46 IPL games at an average of 30.45.

2015-16 Ranji season and Vijay Hazare trophy were very prolific for the Mumbai batsman as he scored 1321 runs at an average of 73.39 involving seven fifties and four hundred. Iyer has had a very short ODI career, scoring 210 runs in his 6 ODI games at an average of 42. His one memorable knock came against Sri Lanka in 2017.

Iyer can bat at the number 4 spot with versatility and help take the burden off the lower middle order.

ODI: Matches- 6, Runs- 210, Average- 42, Highest Score- 88.

T20I: Matches- 6, Runs-83, Average- 16.6, Highest Score- 30.

IPL: Matches- 46, Runs- 1218, Average- 30.45, Highest Score- 96.