World Cup 2019: Wasim Jaffer feels Rishabh Pant is not yet ready, Dinesh Karthik should be ideal for No 4

It was a fine Sunday, but not too good for India fans as Shikhar Dhawan had to face sturdy Pat Cummins’ chin music. It was after the 8th over that Aussie paceman continued his first spell with a fifth over, little did the southpaw knew that the first ball would almost break the bone, he would have played a risk-free shot. Initially, the finger looked to be swollen with which the opener continued playing and thanks to his never-say-die-attitude, he went on to hit big for helping India amass a belligerent total against Kangaroos.

After a couple of days, the news surfaced that Dhawan might not play as the injury he picked up has worsened and turned to be a hairline fracture. The biggest question was who will play in place of injured Dhawan? Well, the domestic juggernaut, Wasim Jaffer comes up with an interesting suggestion. The ten-time Ranji title winner wanted experienced Ambati Rayudu to play at No 4. As soon as the news hit the screens, Jaffer tweeted. “Massive setback to #teamindia with in-form @SDhawan25 going to miss at least 3 weeks with a fractured thumb. I hope @RayuduAmbati gets a look in for number 4 position. Time for him to play then watch with his 3D glasses,”

For Jaffer, it’s always about experience. “I thought in place of Dhawan, I thought Ambati Rayudu is the best-suited player at No 4 position. He is a quality player and he is a match-winner, unfortunately, this IPL season he wasn’t at his best, but going with the previous knocks he has been really good and he has also got experience upon his sleeves,” said the 41-year-old Vidarbha player in conversation with CricTracker.

Now ahead of the much anticipated Pakistan clash, selectors ruled out Rayudu as an option but the board kept Dinesh Karthik, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in contention to grab the World Cup opportunity. Undeterred by the boards’ pick, Jaffer keeps his fingers cross for Dinesh Karthik. “I feel Dinesh Karthik should replace injured Dhawan. I don’t think Rishabh Pant is not ready he has just gone as a stand-by. DK has played some good knocks and also he has experience of playing high-pressure games against Pakistan.”

Asked about the No 4 spot, The domestic veteran cricketer said that the conundrum for the position was taken out of proportion. It was blown out of proportion and the euphoria has spread like a wildfire. Due to high pressure, the board kept chopping and changing a whole lot of players. This No.4 issue shouldn’t have taken seriously as they keep on changing the players in the regular intervals.

They say “form is temporary, class is permanent” Jaffer goes with a similar notion. He opined that the board should have kept Rayudu on long ropes as averaging more than 45 in the ODI is not easy. Once you know that the player has got class, the form will automatically come back.

“It would be interesting to beat the hosting team in the final and lift the trophy. I would want India, Australia, England and New Zealand in the semifinals,” added the veteran, who is a fan of Tennis stalwart Roger Federer.

The clash between India and Pakistan is always crucial for the fans on both sides of the border. Well, the neighbouring countries are indulged in a lot of turmoil and cricket is a way to hit back on each other. Despite India being injury plagued, Right now ahead of the match, the fans are curious about the rain gods should shy away from pouring down at the Old Trafford.