11 players who can solve fourth-place conundrum in Team India's World Cup squad

 | Updated: Apr 13, 2019, 01:30 PM IST

The selectors continue to fret over who should walk out to bat after the fall of the second wicket. Here is a list of players, who can resolve the no. 4 problem. 

World Cup

India will announce the 15-member squad on April 15 for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled to start from May 30 in England and Wales with England and South Africa playing the first game of the tournament. 

Few names to get a definite World Cup call are certain as Indian team has an otherwise settled batting line-up with a formidable top order consisting of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli.

However, the selectors continue to fret over who should walk out to bat after the fall of the second wicket. 

Here is a list of players, who can resolve the no. 4 problem. 

(Photograph:Reuters)

Rishabh Pant

The wicketkeeper-batsman is expecting a call for the upcoming cricket World Cup after getting the international exposure in India's tour Down Under. 

Especially in the Test series, where Pant scripted history by becoming the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a century in Australia. 

Pant impressed with his gloves too as he broke the record for most catches - 20 - by an Indian wicketkeeper in a Test series. 

Although, he faced criticism for his sloppy work behind the wickets in the ODIs there. 

But ahead of Indian Premier League 2019, Pant worked briefly with former Indian stumper Kiran More to hone his wicket-keeping skills. 

Pant is expected to be the second wicketkeeper in India's World Cup squad, behind Mahendra Singh Dhoni, after impressing across all three formats.

MS Dhoni is India's first choice wicket-keeper for the World Cup but Pant might get a chance to play at number four. 

(Photograph:PTI)

Prithvi Shaw

India's teenage batting marvel is also a strong contender to get a confirmed ticket for India's England bound plane. 

He has the potential to be in India's 15-member squad. 

Shaw, who has played just two Tests, became the youngest Indian batsman to score a century on debut when he hit 134 against West Indies, in the Rajkot Test at the age of 18 years, 10 months and 25 days. 

Only Tendulkar, who went on to compile a record 51 Test centuries, has scored a ton at a younger age among Indian players after making 119 not out in his ninth Test aged 17. 

Shaw also made 70 and 33 (not out) in the second Test against the West Indies and was named the man of the series, which the hosts swept 2-0. 

In the IPL 2019, which is underway, Shaw has been magnificent. 

Although, Shaw has been a good opener but he might get a chance to play at number 4 spot for India in the World Cup. 

(Photograph:PTI)

Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav is India's middle-order batsman and his name, according to some spectators, is certain but he is one of the players who are prone to injuries. 

Lately, his performance in the IPL has been average but he definitely posses the ability to play responsible knock in the middle batting order. 

But his selection becomes evident as he can play the role of India's sixth bowler. 

(Photograph:Reuters)
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KL Rahul

KL Rahul currently leads the list with 670 runs in 14 matches. The KXIP skipper was the first batsman to smash a century in IPL 2020. 

(Photograph:PTI)

Dinesh Karthik

India's wicketkeeper-batsman is a very strong contender to a part of the Indian squad for the World Cup.

Karthik is a versatile player who can also bat at number four but had found himself out of favour as the selectors dropped him for India's final five ODIs before the World Cup. 

His performance and captainship skills has been outstanding in the Indian Premier League. 

(Photograph:AFP)

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu, who plays for Chennai franchise in the Indian Premier League, is also in the race to get his visa stamped. 

The 33-year-old Rayudu has emerged as the most likely choice to fill the void of fourth place but scores of 13, 18 and two in the first three matches of the recent home series against world champions Australia hurt his cause. 

Pressure is only mounting on the selectors with Rayudu scoring 28, five, one and zero in the first four matches of the IPL tournament. 

(Photograph:PTI)

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill, who was called up for India's Australia and New Zealand tours, is also a very strong contender for the World Cup selection. 

His performance in the Indian Premier League for Kolkata franchise has been remarkable. 

Even he has the ability to play at number four position. 

(Photograph:AFP)

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has played at number four spot for team India but his performance hasn't been good enough to make his availability certain. 

Even in India's T20 cricket league, Rahane, who plays for Rajasthan franchise, has been struggling with his form. 

(Photograph:AFP)

Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal has been a consistent performer in the first class cricket. 

But he hasn't got enough chances to showcase his skills in the international format. 

Although, he proved his mettle when he grabbed the opportunity to open the innings for Team India in the third Test against Australia when he scored his maiden fifty on debut in Melbourne. 

(Photograph:IANS)

Vijay Shankar

Another potential batsman to bat at number four spot for team India in the upcoming World Cup in England. 

From the low of the Nidahas Trophy final in Sri Lanka to now being in the scheme of things, the all-rounder Vijay Shankar has come a long way. 

(Photograph:AFP)

Manish Pandey

Among all the other contenders, Manish Pandey stands a little low on the charts but he can be a good option for team India in the World Cup. 

Although, his lack of international exposure might hamper his race to England. 

But his magnificent efforts in the fielding can give selectors to take him in. 

(Photograph:AFP)