5 Players India should try out at number 4

The ODI series between India and England is done and dusted and the result is not what India would have expected or hoped for. After a convincing victory in Nottingham, the team lost their way in the following two games.

Virat Kohli's team have a lot of problems to address considering the ICC World Cup next year would be played in the same country. Though the over-reliance on the two wrist spinners and lack of fast bowling backups are among the many problems that the captain, along with support staff, should address, the performance of the middle order has long been a problem.

The muddle in the middle order is mainly because of the rotation of different players at the No. 4 spot. Since the 2015 ICC World Cup India have tried 10 batsmen at the spot with only 2 of them, Yuvraj Singh and Ajinkya Rahane, getting 5 or more consecutive chances at the spot. This problem is a rare case for India where the depth of batting talent in the country is parallel to no other nation in the world.

With the continuous rotation of many batsmen at the position over the past 3 years, we look at the 5 players who should be given chances consistently to make the spot their own.

---

#5 Yuvraj Singh

Australia v India - 2011 ICC World Cup Quarter-Final

The veteran all-rounder temporarily solved the No. 4 problem when he was given an opportunity to bat at the spot early last year before the Champions Trophy and during the tournament. But a lack of consistent performances resulted in Yuvraj being dropped from the ODI side soon after the Champions Trophy.

Considering Yuvraj's experience and his ability to come back in the side, he cannot be ruled out as a solution to the middle order woes for the 2019 World Cup. If the 2011 World Cup winner works on his fitness along with strong performances in the upcoming domestic season, the Punjab batsman can be one of the candidates to bat at four, and offer a few overs with the ball.

#4 Ambati Rayudu

The 32 year old was in top form in the IPL this year, where he scored 602 runs as he helped the Chennai Super Kings win the title. These performances helped him to come back into the Indian ODI side after nearly 3 years out. But a failed a fitness test meant that Rayudu couldn’t be a part of the ODI series. If Rayudu gets back to full fitness, it will be interesting to see whether the selectors are open to giving him another go in the side.

Rayudu's experience may be a key factor as he may be the next candidate who tries his luck at the position. His performance in the IPL is more credible as he batted as an opener as well as a No. 4 batsman, and consistently scored runs at both positions.

#3 MS Dhoni

England v India - 3rd Royal London ODI

Dhoni was given a chance to bat at No. 4 in the ODI series against New Zealand nearly two years ago. But like many other batsmen, the then-captain didn't do well enough to make the spot his own. Considering his poor batting form in the series against England, it’s necessary that MS Dhoni bats up the order and gives himself time to settle.

Dhoni's contribution is valuable with the gloves as he is arguably the best wicketkeeper in the world at the moment. No. 4 is the best option for the former captain to improve his form and repeat his IPL performances for the ODI side.

#2 Shreyas Iyer

England Lions v India A - Tri Series

One of the unused players in the ODI series against England, Iyer had been a part of the ODI squad against Sri Lanka last year, where he put in some impressive performances, scoring two fifties in three games. He also was a part of playing XI in three games against South Africa but struggled to make an impression.

The Mumbai batsmen is a candidate to bat at the No. 4 position considering that he has been knocking on the door for a place in the side for more than a couple of years. It will not be a surprise if Iyer gets the chance to give an audition for the spot at the Asia Cup in September this year.

#1 Dinesh Karthik

England v India - 3rd Royal London ODI

On the back of excellent performances in 2018, Karthik was one of the prime candidates to bat at No. 4 before the series. But as things turned out, KL Rahul was picked ahead of Karthik to bat at four in the first two ODIs. He eventually got a chance in the last game but failed to impress.

He has been in terrific form lately as he played a memorable knock in the Nidahas trophy final against Bangladesh which won India the tri-series, and was also the top scorer in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The Tamil Nadu batsman deserves more chances in the spot considering his experience. If MS Dhoni's poor performances continue, Karthik may also be the wicketkeeper in the side.