ICC world Cup 2019 | Shikhar Dhawan should bat as deep as possible, reckons Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar has said that Shikhar Dhawan should bat as deep possible as he is the only left-handed batsman in the batting order. With wrist-spinners making the headlines every now and then, Tendulkar reckons that the presence of a left-hand right-hand combination will only do good to India.
The World Cup is just a week away and the anticipation for the same is on a high. India are all set to kick-start their tournament against South Africa on June 5 and the talks regarding India’s batting line-up is only gaining acceleration. India have a solid top-order, however, the same efficacy is not seen in the middle.
The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli render batting a joy to behold and have wreaked havoc at the top. Dhawan is the only left-handed batsman in India’s batting order and with wrist-spinners playing a crucial role in recent times; Sachin Tendulkar feels it’s important for the southpaw to bat as deep as possible. The presence of a left-handed batsman will maintain the left-hand right-hand combination and only put pressure on the opposition.
When asked about Dhawan batting deep, Tendulkar was quoted by ESPNCricinfo saying, “Yes, of course. A left-right combination always helps because that means the bowler has to adjust his line every now and then and the captain has to keep thinking. And if there is a partnership the job becomes even more tougher. So, yes, it is important for a left-hander to be there to put pressure on the legspinner or for that matter any bowler.”
India’s No 4 slot has been the talk of the town for a while now and with World Cup still a week away, the problem remains unsolved to an extent. Tendulkar also shed light on the issue and said that a batsman should be versatile and bat at any given position.
“Now, a number of things have been discussed as far as slot No. 4 is concerned, but I feel if you have quality batsmen then they should be able to adjust their style of play at whichever number they are asked to bat. I think we have that quality which can go out and deliver at whatever number they have been sent,” Tendulkar added.
India have a formidable top-order, which has infused fear down the opponent’s spine but the middle-order does not sport a similar look.
When asked if India’s middle-order will be the biggest challenge, Tendulkar said, “I look at it from a different point of view. From No. 1 to 7 or 8 you expect the batsmen to deliver. Yes, each batsman would have a different role assigned by the captain and the coach, and one has to understand that role and deliver to the best of his ability. I feel up to No. 4 it is a different requirement as far as the delivery is concerned. And from Nos. 5-8 you are looking at finishers, who stay till the end and soak in that pressure. I feel we are well equipped to do that."