India’s No. 4 Conundrum Looms Large Ahead of World Cup: Rohit Sharma Speaks Out

As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated ICC ODI World Cup, Team India finds itself grappling with a formidable challenge – the elusive No. 4 batting position. In a candid revelation, captain Rohit Sharma has shed light on the concerns surrounding this pivotal slot, highlighting the team’s ongoing struggle to identify a suitable successor to the legendary Yuvraj Singh.

Number 4 position marred by injuries

Addressing the media on the sidelines of a La Liga event, Rohit Sharma candidly expressed the dilemma that has haunted the Indian cricketing fraternity since Yuvraj Singh’s retirement. “Look, No. 4 has been an issue for us for a long time. After Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh), nobody has come and settled themselves in,” the captain said. He acknowledged that while Shreyas Iyer exhibited promise in this role, injuries have marred his consistent presence in the team.

“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,” Rohit revealed. The Indian skipper also noted that a series of injuries to key players in crucial positions has disrupted the team’s equilibrium, leading to a constant shuffle in the lineup. “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,” he added.

No spots fixed

With the World Cup looming on the horizon, the Indian team is working fervently to address this conundrum. KL Rahul, the preferred option for the No. 5 position, and Shreyas Iyer, who is on the comeback trail post a lengthy injury hiatus, hold key positions in this endeavor. Rohit Sharma iterated that no player’s spot is guaranteed and that each individual must prove their mettle to secure a spot in the final squad.

“No one is an automatic (selection), even I am not. We have this thing where nobody is guaranteed a spot. We cannot say that ‘you are there after all’ or things like that,” Rohit remarked. He also highlighted the upcoming Asia Cup as a platform to evaluate players’ performance under pressure situations, an essential criterion for World Cup success.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram