IPL crucial for India's number four slot: BCCI
With around two months left for the ICC World Cup 2019, the Indian cricket team finds itself in a spot of bother with the number four position in batting. India's preferred choice Ambati Rayudu never quite got going consistently and now with the 12th edition of the IPL starting, a few batsmen are set to fight for the slot. Here's more about it.
What's the situation with number four in batting for India?
India tried out a host of names as far as the number four batting position is concerned. They finally identified Ambati Rayudu. But the veteran hasn't been consistent this year. Apart from a few knocks against New Zealand this year, Rayudu struggled against quality attack. In the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, Rayudu flopped in three consecutive matches and was benched thereafter.
Four batsmen fighting for the number four slot: BCCI official
A BCCI official said, "It was thought that the Australia series would help cement all spots for the World Cup. But that hasn't happened and technically you now have four batsmen fighting for the number 4 slot."
Rahane and Iyer are main contenders besides Rayudu
Rayudu will face stiff competition from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer. Both Rahane and Iyer last featured for India in early 2018. The fourth player is most likely KL Rahul, but he is already the main back-up for the top order and that role suits him. Therefore, it comes down to their performance in IPL for their franchises.
Here's what Rajasthan Royals' Rahane had said earlier
"The approach won't be any different with the World Cup spot looming because at the end of the day you are playing cricket, be it the IPL or any other tournament. You have to score runs. The most important thing will be to think about RR. See, if I do well in the IPL, the World Cup (slot) will automatically come," said Rahane.
Iyer wants to start well in IPL 2019
"In IPL, if I get a great start then it could really impact the selections. Selectors will be thinking twice about me. That's what I am really looking forward to," Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyer said.
IPL crucial for the players fighting for positions
The World Cup squad will be selected next month and the start of the IPL will be crucial for the players in question. India cannot afford to let the number four slot hurt them during the World Cup. Besides this slot, the likes of wicket-keeper batsmen Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik are fighting for one berth as finishers and back-up middle order batsmen.
