We need a batsman like Ajinkya Rahane at no.4, says Sanjay Jagdale

Over the last 12 months, the major concern for Indian senior men’s cricket is the no.4 batsman in the ODI side. Former players, fans, even pundits from other countries have had their say. Now, the former secretary Jagdale has also thrown his opinion out there.

“In my opinion, the Indian team needs a batsman like Ajinkya Rahane at number four. We have tried many options but at the batting position for the past three months. We tried those batsmen who did not have a good overseas record. Rahane has always scored good runs in England, Jagdale told ANI.

India have tried many options in the slot, but it seemed for a long time that Ambati Rayudu, who was given the most consistent run, would make the cut. However, when the squad was announced, all-rounder Vijay Shankar pipped him to the spot, with Rayudu left in the reserves. However, Shankar failed to make the mark when called upon, and later had to leave the team due to injury. Rishabh Pant then came into the side and did reasonably well. Jagdale noted that neither Pant, nor Rahane, who did pretty well in England did not feature in the one-dayers.

“Rishabh Pant also scored a Test hundred in England. He even went on to make a Test hundred in Australia. But the ODI series against Australia, both Pant and Rahane did not feature in the series,” Jagdale said.

Jagdale isn’t of the opinion that players who were given enough chances should be given many more if they fail to establish themselves. He said this with reference to the likes of Dinesh Karthik and Rayudu.