India started their World Cup campaign on a perfect note. After defeating two heavyweights, they proved why the Men in Blue are regarded as favourites. However, a big shock was awaiting them. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shikhar-dhawan-shares-dr-rahat-indori-shayari-amid-injury-rehab/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a>, who scored a century against Australia was ruled out of the action for three weeks after sustaining a hairline fracture on his left thumb.

The southpaw was in sublime touch and this loss has put the team one step behind. Although India does possess a backup opener in the form of KL Rahul, the number four debate, which had come to an end, has arisen again.

Since India has decided to back Dhawan and monitor his progress, they will have to choose his replacement from the squad only. With multiple questions to answer, the Indian management finds itself in a corridor of uncertainty. The Indian team has struggled against New Zealand in the recent past, but they need to look beyond that loss and focus on the match.

Let us take a look at the three possible replacements for Shikhar:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-343805" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Vijay-Shankar.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" alt="Vijay Shankar" width="640" height="400"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Vijay Shankar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Vijay Shankar was initially drafted in the squad as the No.4 batsman if the chief selector <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/former-ap-cricketer-budamuru-nagaraju-jailed-for-impersonating-msk-prasad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MSK Prasad</a>‘s words are to be believed. KL Rahul grabbed the middle-order spot with a century against Bangladesh in the warm-ups. Since Rahul would be opening against New Zealand, India might go back to Shankar.

Vijay has never played at the Number 4 spot before. But the way he had played in the 5th ODI against New Zealand will be a morale booster for him. He was run-out in that match, but not before stitching a 98-run partnership with Ambati Rayadu after India were left reeling at 18/4.

Besides, he can bowl 4-5 overs, which might prompt the team to give him a go. Shankar showed some glimpses of his form in the latter half of the IPL, and the opportunity beckons for him. The youngster has come a long way and deserves a chance.

This is a great chance for him to prove the experts wrong who had raised their eyebrows over his selection. It will be interesting to see how he plays if the management includes him in the XI.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-309683" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik-and-MS-Dhoni.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik celebrates with MS Dhoni. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The way Dinesh Karthik fared in the IPL with the bat, he too has presented his claim for the number 4 spot. Kiran More, the former selector of team India also backed him to play in the middle-order. Indeed his vast experience gives him an edge while facing a strong New Zealand bowling line-up.

With Karthik in the squad, the squad becomes pretty flexible. This is because the wicket-keeper can play as an innings builder, as well as a finisher. This will help the team management to promote MS Dhoni up the order as well with Karthik and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hardik-pandya-recalls-yuvraj-singhs-hilarious-expressions-on-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hardik Pandya</a> taking up the responsibility in the death overs.

Also, Karthik has a technique which helps him to counter swing better than the other back-up players. Therefore, he can neutralize the threat posed by Trent Boult and Matt Henry, if the top order falls cheaply.

Karthik is the run-accumulator and can change the gear once he is set. Also, playing in the middle-order will give him a chance to assess the situation and then play accordingly.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-390570" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-390570" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Including Ravindra Jadeja in the squad will mean that India would go a batsman short. But the kind of form he has been in, the management might still consider him. This will mean that either of Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav or <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/world-cup-2019-virat-kohlis-reaction-to-ms-dhonis-six-goes-viral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS Dhoni</a> would be batting at Number 4, with Jadeja taking up the role of a finisher, a glimpse of which he clearly showed against New Zealand.

His half-century against New Zealand in the bowling friendly conditions where every other batsman struggled was a brilliant effort. This also gives the team an extra bowling option which means Virat Kohli will have six proper bowling options for the game.

Jadeja can finish his overs quickly and cheaply as well. He can provide vital breakthroughs whenever needed and can make the difference for his team. Moreover, he is a gun fielder and can easily save 10-15 runs on the field.

If Jadeja is included, then India might also think of bringing in Mohammed Shami at the expense of one of the wrist-spinners in the XI to take advantage of the overcast conditions.

India started their World Cup campaign on a perfect note. After defeating two heavyweights, they proved why the Men in Blue are regarded as favourites. However, a big shock was awaiting them. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shikhar-dhawan-shares-dr-rahat-indori-shayari-amid-injury-rehab/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a>, who scored a century against Australia was ruled out of the action for three weeks after sustaining a hairline fracture on his left thumb.
The southpaw was in sublime touch and this loss has put the team one step behind. Although India does possess a backup opener in the form of KL Rahul, the number four debate, which had come to an end, has arisen again.
Since India has decided to back Dhawan and monitor his progress, they will have to choose his replacement from the squad only. With multiple questions to answer, the Indian management finds itself in a corridor of uncertainty. The Indian team has struggled against New Zealand in the recent past, but they need to look beyond that loss and focus on the match.
<h3>Let us take a look at the three possible replacements for Shikhar:</h3>
<h3>1. Vijay Shankar</h3>
<figure id="attachment_343805" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-343805" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Vijay-Shankar.jpg" alt="Vijay Shankar" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Vijay Shankar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Vijay Shankar was initially drafted in the squad as the No.4 batsman if the chief selector <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/former-ap-cricketer-budamuru-nagaraju-jailed-for-impersonating-msk-prasad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MSK Prasad</a>‘s words are to be believed. KL Rahul grabbed the middle-order spot with a century against Bangladesh in the warm-ups. Since Rahul would be opening against New Zealand, India might go back to Shankar.
Vijay has never played at the Number 4 spot before. But the way he had played in the 5th ODI against New Zealand will be a morale booster for him. He was run-out in that match, but not before stitching a 98-run partnership with Ambati Rayadu after India were left reeling at 18/4.
Besides, he can bowl 4-5 overs, which might prompt the team to give him a go. Shankar showed some glimpses of his form in the latter half of the IPL, and the opportunity beckons for him. The youngster has come a long way and deserves a chance.
This is a great chance for him to prove the experts wrong who had raised their eyebrows over his selection. It will be interesting to see how he plays if the management includes him in the XI.

<h3>2. Dinesh Karthik</h3>
<figure id="attachment_309683" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-309683" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik-and-MS-Dhoni.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik celebrates with MS Dhoni. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The way Dinesh Karthik fared in the IPL with the bat, he too has presented his claim for the number 4 spot. Kiran More, the former selector of team India also backed him to play in the middle-order. Indeed his vast experience gives him an edge while facing a strong New Zealand bowling line-up.
With Karthik in the squad, the squad becomes pretty flexible. This is because the wicket-keeper can play as an innings builder, as well as a finisher. This will help the team management to promote MS Dhoni up the order as well with Karthik and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hardik-pandya-recalls-yuvraj-singhs-hilarious-expressions-on-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hardik Pandya</a> taking up the responsibility in the death overs.
Also, Karthik has a technique which helps him to counter swing better than the other back-up players. Therefore, he can neutralize the threat posed by Trent Boult and Matt Henry, if the top order falls cheaply.
Karthik is the run-accumulator and can change the gear once he is set. Also, playing in the middle-order will give him a chance to assess the situation and then play accordingly.

<h3>3. Ravindra Jadeja</h3>
<figure id="attachment_390570" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-390570" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-390570" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-390570" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Including Ravindra Jadeja in the squad will mean that India would go a batsman short. But the kind of form he has been in, the management might still consider him. This will mean that either of Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav or <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/world-cup-2019-virat-kohlis-reaction-to-ms-dhonis-six-goes-viral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS Dhoni</a> would be batting at Number 4, with Jadeja taking up the role of a finisher, a glimpse of which he clearly showed against New Zealand.
His half-century against New Zealand in the bowling friendly conditions where every other batsman struggled was a brilliant effort. This also gives the team an extra bowling option which means Virat Kohli will have six proper bowling options for the game.
Jadeja can finish his overs quickly and cheaply as well. He can provide vital breakthroughs whenever needed and can make the difference for his team. Moreover, he is a gun fielder and can easily save 10-15 runs on the field.
If Jadeja is included, then India might also think of bringing in Mohammed Shami at the expense of one of the wrist-spinners in the XI to take advantage of the overcast conditions.

India started their World Cup campaign on a perfect note. After defeating two heavyweights, they proved why the Men in Blue are regarded as favourites. However, a big shock was awaiting them. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shikhar-dhawan-shares-dr-rahat-indori-shayari-amid-injury-rehab/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a>, who scored a century against Australia was ruled out of the action for three weeks after sustaining a hairline fracture on his left thumb.
The southpaw was in sublime touch and this loss has put the team one step behind. Although India does possess a backup opener in the form of KL Rahul, the number four debate, which had come to an end, has arisen again.
Since India has decided to back Dhawan and monitor his progress, they will have to choose his replacement from the squad only. With multiple questions to answer, the Indian management finds itself in a corridor of uncertainty. The Indian team has struggled against New Zealand in the recent past, but they need to look beyond that loss and focus on the match.
<h3>Let us take a look at the three possible replacements for Shikhar:</h3>
<h3>1. Vijay Shankar</h3>
<figure id="attachment_343805" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px;"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-343805" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Vijay-Shankar.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" alt="Vijay Shankar" width="640" height="400"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Vijay Shankar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Vijay Shankar was initially drafted in the squad as the No.4 batsman if the chief selector <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/former-ap-cricketer-budamuru-nagaraju-jailed-for-impersonating-msk-prasad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MSK Prasad</a>‘s words are to be believed. KL Rahul grabbed the middle-order spot with a century against Bangladesh in the warm-ups. Since Rahul would be opening against New Zealand, India might go back to Shankar.
Vijay has never played at the Number 4 spot before. But the way he had played in the 5th ODI against New Zealand will be a morale booster for him. He was run-out in that match, but not before stitching a 98-run partnership with Ambati Rayadu after India were left reeling at 18/4.
Besides, he can bowl 4-5 overs, which might prompt the team to give him a go. Shankar showed some glimpses of his form in the latter half of the IPL, and the opportunity beckons for him. The youngster has come a long way and deserves a chance.
This is a great chance for him to prove the experts wrong who had raised their eyebrows over his selection. It will be interesting to see how he plays if the management includes him in the XI.

<h3>2. Dinesh Karthik</h3>
<figure id="attachment_309683" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px;"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-309683" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik-and-MS-Dhoni.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik celebrates with MS Dhoni. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The way Dinesh Karthik fared in the IPL with the bat, he too has presented his claim for the number 4 spot. Kiran More, the former selector of team India also backed him to play in the middle-order. Indeed his vast experience gives him an edge while facing a strong New Zealand bowling line-up.
With Karthik in the squad, the squad becomes pretty flexible. This is because the wicket-keeper can play as an innings builder, as well as a finisher. This will help the team management to promote MS Dhoni up the order as well with Karthik and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hardik-pandya-recalls-yuvraj-singhs-hilarious-expressions-on-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hardik Pandya</a> taking up the responsibility in the death overs.
Also, Karthik has a technique which helps him to counter swing better than the other back-up players. Therefore, he can neutralize the threat posed by Trent Boult and Matt Henry, if the top order falls cheaply.
Karthik is the run-accumulator and can change the gear once he is set. Also, playing in the middle-order will give him a chance to assess the situation and then play accordingly.

<h3>3. Ravindra Jadeja</h3>
<figure id="attachment_390570" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-390570" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-390570" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-390570" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Including Ravindra Jadeja in the squad will mean that India would go a batsman short. But the kind of form he has been in, the management might still consider him. This will mean that either of Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav or <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/world-cup-2019-virat-kohlis-reaction-to-ms-dhonis-six-goes-viral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS Dhoni</a> would be batting at Number 4, with Jadeja taking up the role of a finisher, a glimpse of which he clearly showed against New Zealand.
His half-century against New Zealand in the bowling friendly conditions where every other batsman struggled was a brilliant effort. This also gives the team an extra bowling option which means Virat Kohli will have six proper bowling options for the game.
Jadeja can finish his overs quickly and cheaply as well. He can provide vital breakthroughs whenever needed and can make the difference for his team. Moreover, he is a gun fielder and can easily save 10-15 runs on the field.
If Jadeja is included, then India might also think of bringing in Mohammed Shami at the expense of one of the wrist-spinners in the XI to take advantage of the overcast conditions.

Who will India include in the team?

World Cup 2019: 3 Cricketers who can replace Shikhar Dhawan in the playing XI against New Zealand

Let us take a look at the three possible replacements for Shikhar Dhawan. Vijay Shankar, Dinesh Karthik, Ravindra Jadeja