With India’s fabulous performance in the three match ODI series against West Indies, the re-appointed head coach Ravi Shastri revealed his preference for No. 4 position in the squad, and it’s not Rishabh Pant.
According to Shastri, Shreyas Iyer is best suited for No. 4 position as his performance in the ODI series against West Indies has been remarkable. The young cricketer scored two back-to-back half centuries. However, captain Virat Kohli’s preference sides with Rishabh Pant. Pants’ performance in the three matches ODI series had been a complete disappointment as he scored only 20 runs in two innings at No. 4.
For the World Cup squad, the Selectors have had a tough challenge in selecting the best option for the No. 4 position and the struggle still continues as all the options have turned out to be unreliable.
The Windies tour gives India a chance to explore fresh talent and find the best option for No. 4 slot. Skipper revealed his preference to be Pant while backing Iyer at No. 5. Virat Kohli stated that, “We are backing Rishabh to still bat at four and Shreyas Iyer will bat at five. Four and five are more like floating batting position for us, according to the situation of the game anyone can bat anywhere.”
Virat Kohli further stated that the top three batting positions are the most crucial slots that require a specialist whereas 6 and 7 positions are also important positions compared to 4 and 5 positions. In ODI’s and T20s, four and five require more flexible guys.
The reason why Pant didn’t make the final 15-member Team India squad for the World Cup was because of his old techniques with reckless shots, whereas Iyer has portrayed more calm and composed approach towards his games. Sunil Gavaskar along with Ravi Shastri find Iyer more suitable for the position of No. 4.