ICC World Cup 2019: India Will Have to be Flexible With No Four Batsman, Says Virender Sehwag

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) done and dusted, the focus has shifted to the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. The Indian National Cricket Team is yet to finalise their no four batsmen for the marquee event. However, going by the conditions on offer in England, former India cricketer Virender Sehwag feels the management should be flexible with that position.

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Management should be flexible with no four: Sehwag

Meanwhile, the management have been struggling only with this position ahead of the World Cup. They have tried various options, including the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, and KL Rahul. But nobody has shown the consistency to seal the berth. As a result, the selectors went with young Vijay Shankar for that important position. Shankar impressed batting at three in the T20Is in New Zealand which earned the trust of the selectors. Chief selector MSK Prasad said that they went in with the Tamil Nadu all-rounder because of his three-dimensional ability.

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Amidst all the conundrum, Virender Sehwag feels the management should be flexible with the spot according to the conditions. The former opener believes the middle-order batters should be ready to bat anywhere in between 4,5, and 6. But Sehwag said the top three batters should hold the stead high from one end.

“The team will decide according to the situation. In the initial games, Vijay Shankar may bat there. But the team will be flexible. If we are thinking of winning the Cup, we should not be obsessed with such those things. Anybody in the middle-order should be ready to bat between No. 4, 5 and 6. But one of Rohit, Shikhar and Virat has to bat for a longer duration. Someone should drop anchor from one end,” Sehwag said to TOI.

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Besides, Virender Sehwag added that Windies, Australia, and England will be the title contenders along with India. The Men in Blues have done significantly well in the past 18 months and will enter the tournament as the title contenders.

India will play two practice games on May 25 and 28 before beginning their World Cup campaign on June 5 against South Africa at Southampton.

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