With less than 60 days till the ODI World Cup, India skipper Rohit Sharma shared the irritation caused by the uncertainty surrounding India’s middle-order options, particularly No. 4.
After former all-around superstar Yuvraj Singh, in Rohit’s opinion, nobody has truly claimed the position as their own. The India captain noted that Shreyas Iyer, who bats at No. 4, has good statistics, averaging above 47 in 20 innings.
But here’s what Rohit Sharma shared about how Team India has been affected by the absence of important players like Shreyas Iyer on the sidelines while attending a La Liga event in Mumbai.
He said, “Look, No. 4 has been an issue for us for a long time. After Yuvi, nobody has come and settled themselves in. But, for a long period of time, Shreyas (Iyer) has actually batted at No. 4 and he has done well — his numbers are really good. Unfortunately, injuries have given him a bit of trouble; he has been out for a while and that is honestly what has happened in the last 4-5 years.”
There were so many guys who came in and went out: Rohit Sharma
The lack of a true No. 4 hindered India throughout the 2019 World Cup, although Rohit Sharma, who remained the vice-captain at the time, believes that injuries have pushed the Men in Blue into experimenting with multiple players in that position.
He said, “The percentage of injuries that have happened in the last 4-5 years, it is massive. When the players get injured or are not available, you try doing different things with different players — that is what I have to say about No. 4. Even before when I was not the captain, I was watching no? There were so many guys who came in and went out. But injuries kept them away or they were not available or someone lost form.”
The best-case scenario for India will be if KL Rahul as well as Shreyas Iyer recover well and get prepared to make a comeback at the Asia Cup next month.
Fans react to Rohit Sharma’s statement:
Rohit Sharma said "Number 4 has been an issue for us, after Yuvi, nobody has come & settled – for a longer period of time, Iyer batted & did well at 4, his numbers are so good but injury has given him trouble so you always see a new guy batting at 4 in last few years". [PTI] pic.twitter.com/3Yxey2YsnG
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 10, 2023
He is 100% right Dhoni never won a World Cup without yuvi , yuvi made batting at no.4 look easy, I will say he won india 2 WCs
— User45 (@140off113) August 10, 2023
Agreed with Rohit Sharma's observation. The number 4 position has been a persistent challenge for India's cricket team. Shreyas Iyer showed promise and performed effectively, but unfortunate injuries disrupted his consistency. This has led to a constant rotation of new players…
— dot?xe (@dotexe786) August 10, 2023
THALA would be another temba bavuma without yuvi
— Who cares? (@Retired__hurt) August 10, 2023
The issue is top 3 don’t want to take risk and want to bat till 40 overs with selfish Strike rate of 85-90. How can you expect no.4, 5,6 to be battle hardened and prepared for high pressure matches.
— T Kumar (@DailyTej) August 10, 2023
Shreyas should fix that spot orelse Tilak should be given a chance there. He also provides that variety being a left hander..!
— _.asuraan._ (@Im_avhi18) August 10, 2023
Tilak is perfect one to replace Yuvi. Long term till retirement he can play.
— Sunil Sonwal (@SunilSonwal) August 10, 2023
Only problem statement these fellows can say…No stratergic vision on back up plans, scouting from domestic cricket, trying out different players to that no 4 position
— CA Ramachandran (@jayaram8786) August 10, 2023
Maybe he forgot to tell about his position which has only settled against teams like bangladesh
— Alter Ego (@ModernHumanity) August 10, 2023
Any other country would not only have Sanju Samson but will make him captain too for ODI and T20
— The Madras Eye (@MadrasEye1) August 10, 2023
