The Number Four Conundrum- India’s Downfall In ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

It is the year 2020 and the cricketing world is eyeing the upcoming and much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup 2020 2020, amidst the COVID-19 crisis. However, India’s failure in last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, has fed a very debatable question even after the wealth of batting exploits and talents in the country. One of the biggest concerns in the showcase of giants was the lackluster middle order (specifically number 4) that failed miserably.

Team India tried as many as four different options i.e. KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, (both in the race for the wicket-keeper position in India’s current white ball set-up), Vijay Shankar, and Dinesh Karthik (Semi-final vs NZ). The question in reckoning was that the team even tried Ambati Rayudu (Best fit to the position as per my choice), Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya (Series against Australia at home) at that position and even Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni was thrown in the mix before the World Cup. Trial and error method of selectors proved to unfruitful, as in the final squad, Vijay Shankar was selected in the 15 and was reckoned to fill in the much-debatable position. However, the indecisive selection of KL Rahul ahead of him, raised many questions on the communication between the selectors and the team.

Vijay Shankar was a hit and miss, as before his selection, he didn’t perform to his expectations. Shankar, even after getting starts and threw his wicket away in crucial times leading to a debate on his temperamental issues. Talking about his bowling, Virat was very reluctant to use him and whenever he was called for rolling the arm over, he wasn’t up to the mark, bowling only 2 to 3 overs. Even KL Rahul, who can do no wrong in cricket currently, was lacking that ability to churn the strike over and hit those singles and twos in middle phase of the innings. Targeting the spinners or seamers too early by playing a rash shot. In middle of the tournament when S Dhawan was injured, the replacement Rishabh Pant wasn’t up-to the mark with absence of same ability to hitting ones and twos even before the World Cup.

Why is Number 4 a difficult position to bat in White ball game?

With the advent of changing rules and powerplays, the number 4 is one of the crucial positions in white-ball set-up. However, the situation of the game, ground dimensions, top-order form and current form is important to bat at that position. The position demands flexibility to face both pace and spin in any given situation. It even demands the temperamental skills to assess the situation of the game and change gears accordingly. In ODI cricket, the ability to choose and attack the bowler having a rough day, buildings the innings, and softening the bowling for next batters, is few important skills that separates a good from a great number 4. In T20 cricket where gigantic sixes are demanded, a skillful number 4 knows whom and when to target and re-assess his plans by striking important ones and twos. 

Current scenario:

Currently, Shreyas Iyer has been shouldered the responsibility to bat at number 4 and contemplating with his current performances, he is steadily winning the position from the likes of Rishabh Pant, and Manish Pandey competing (currently slotted in number 6 in absence of Hardik Pandya) in the race. He has been calm and is steadily grasping the qualities of ideal number 4 and has been equally supported by Indian swiss-knife KL Rahul and run-machine Virat Kohli in the middle order. With the inclusion of Iyer at number 4, things are looking better for the team in the current ball game. If the likes of Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and R Jadeja could support these middle order batsmen in the business end of the innings, the team could crack the code for striking the perfect balance of strikers and accumulators.

Finally, for team India to perform better as a batting unit in upcoming white ball tournaments, the middle order needs to fire in crucial games to take the burden off the top order. India’s defeat in semifinal was rarest occasion where the top order failed and fact that same happened in Champions trophy in 2017 against Pakistan shows the importance of a strong middle order in the batting unit. It is important now that the people who bat in these crucial positions be assured about their positions and given ample opportunities to solidify their position in the team.

Share your views.

Who do you think is the best fit for number 4 position in Indian set-up?