It is really unfair on Ambati Rayudu, says Sanjay Manjrekar on talks of Virat Kohli batting at no.4 at World Cup

India have just four One-Day Internationals (ODIs) to put the final touches to their preparation for the all-important World Cup but it seems their number four conundrum will never end. The issue began in mid-2017 when the selectors dropped an out-of-form Yuvraj Singh after the tour of Caribbean. Since then, the team-management tried out different players before recalling Ambati Rayudu during the 2018 Asia Cup.

Rayudu has done well from the other players who were tried out in the last couple of years or so but his inconsistency has been a matter of concern. Knocks like his ton against Windies or the 90-run innings in New Zealand have shown that Rayudu has the potential to deliver at the highest stage of the game. However, the string of low scores between two big knocks have made many question his credentials.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why head coach Ravi Shastri recently said that Virat Kohli could be demoted to number four in the World Cup if the situation arises. However, former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has said that not persisting with Rayudu at number four would be unfair. He also said that the 90-run knock in New Zealand should have settled the debate over the batting spot.

“I think they are still looking for somebody to bat at No.4. There are talks that Virat Kohli would bat at No.4 and get Rahul to bat at No.3. It is really unfair on Ambati Rayudu who has proven himself at No.4. That 90 should have been a clincher. And he is still worried about 4,5,6,” said Manjrekar on air during India’s first ODI against Australia.

Kohli on batting at number four:

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has himself said that he would not mind batting at number four if the situation demands. Kohli, who has batted at number three for the most part of his career, said that he would not have any problem whatsoever if his batting spot is changed.

“I’ve batted a lot of times at number four. I don’t necessarily try it out as I’ve done that a lot in the past. My game doesn’t change much from number three to four because the template is quite similar. In any given situation I try to play the game I know,” Kohli told reporters in Hyderabad.

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