ICC World Cup 2019: Kedar Jadhav Should Bat At Number Four - Anshuman Gaekwad

Former Indian head coach Anshuman Gaekwad believes Kedar Jadhav should bat at the troublesome position of number four for the Indian team. Jadhav generally bats at number six position and it is his job to add the finishing touches to the team’s total. The right-hander had scored a good knock of 52 runs in the last match against Afghanistan when the middle order had once again crumbled.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Andre Russell Ruled Out Of The Tournament, Replacement Announced

Anshuman Gaekwad stated that Kedar Jadhav is a busy player and he rotates the strike at regular intervals. In fact, it is crucial to keep the scoreboard running for the number four batsman. Meanwhile, India is backing Vijay Shankar to bat at number four position. Shankar had scored 29 runs in the match against Afghanistan when he batted at number four position.

Meanwhile, Gaekwad believes Dinesh Karthik is another option to bat at number four as he has got the experience under his belt.

“Kedar Jadhav is a smart cricketer. He is a busy player and can rotate the strike. He can also play his shots. I think he should bat at no. 4,” Gaekwad, who played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs was quoted as saying by IANS. 

“The other option is Dinesh Karthik. He has the experience and is a proven finisher. He likes to take his time at the crease and that is important when India is in trouble. You need someone who can stem the rot along with Virat (Kohli),” he added. 

Meanwhile, India has struggled to find a stable number four batsman in the last three years. The top three batsmen have done the lion share of the scoring, however, the middle order has failed to live up to the expectations.

On the other hand, it would be a guile decision to back Vijat Shankar at number four position. Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out and thus KL Rahul who was initially batting at number four is now opening the innings with Rohit Sharma.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Twitter Reacts As Bangladesh Posts A Fighting Score

In fact, there are talks doing the rounds that Rishabh Pant should bat at number four position. However, Anshuman Gaekwad believes Pant is not suited for the number four position as he is a big hitter.

“He is certainly not my no.4. He is good striker of the ball. But at the position, you need someone who can stay at the crease. I don’t think I will play him at that position,” he said.

India and West Indies will take on each other at Old Trafford, Manchester on 27th June.