India's No. 4 Woes Are Still Not Over - Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly believes the number four woes are still not over. Ganguly believes there are still options which can be tried at the troublesome position. Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu is expected to be India’s number four in the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2019. However, Rayudu has had a quiet series against Australia. The right-hander hasn’t got runs in the first three matches of the series.

Subsequently, Rayudu was replaced by KL Rahul in the fourth ODI at Mohali. On the other hand, Rayudu had played a gutsy knock of 90 odd runs in the final ODI against New Zealand when the India National Cricket Team had their backs against the wall. India was in a slump as they had lost four wickets for 18 runs.

There are options.

“Options are still there. Let’s see what happens,” Sourav Ganguly told reporters at the Eden Gardens on Monday.

Meanwhile, India could not defend 358 in the Mohali ODI. However, Ganguly defended the team as there was a lot of dew which made it difficult for the spinners to grip the ball. Ashton Turner had played whirlwind innings of 43-ball 84 to help Australia get over the finishing line.

“There was a lot of dew. It was difficult. I don’t think we should read too much into one defeat and it does not hamper World Cup preparations,” Ganguly said.

India has covered most of the bases for the World Cup. However, their bleak middle order could be their Achilles Heel in the quadrennial event.

Rayudu will like to grab his chance and he has scored 247 runs in the last 10 One Day Internationals at an average of 30.47. Thus, the Hyderabad batsman will like to pull up the socks.

Meanwhile, India will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa at Southampton on June 5th. India is considered as one of the favourites for the ODI showpiece and they would like to be at the top of their game.

India has played a musical chair game for the number four slot. Rayudu has been the one who has grabbed his chance with both hands and he is likely to India’s number four in the World Cup.