Sanjay Manjrekar wants Vijay Shankar to bat at No.4 instead of Ambati Rayudu

The Ambati Rayudu paradox has been a huge problem for the Indian team of late. Despite backing the Hyderabad batsman for the No.4 spot in the World Cup team, the right-hander has wasted many opportunities to be in the reckoning and twin failures in Australia and consecutive three forgettable outings in India against the same opposition have put his disturbing mindset out in the open, which isn’t certainly a good sign with the World Cup starting in less than three months of time.

To put more pressure on him, Shankar has batted nicely in all the opportunities that he has got so far and the confidence to be a stand-out performer has stood out. Given the fact that Hardik Pandya is slated to join the team straight away, India might opt for Shankar at two-drop, making him play as a pure batsman and an occasional part-time bowler if the need arises. Manjrekar, who has seen the duo closely by being a commentator for the host broadcaster, stated that Shankar has done all the right things to be awarded the privilege.

"Vijay Shankar is my number 4 for his ability to hit sixes as well as rotate the strike. Play him as a batsman. As a bowler, he's worth only three-odd bonus overs, not seven or the full quota of 10,” Manjrekar told ToI. 

On Rayudu, the Mumbaikar said, "After his 90 against New Zealand in Wellington, I was sure he had cemented his spot. But three low scores and the rise of Vijay Shankar thereafter have put his place in question."

In his heydays, MS Dhoni’s greatest strength was always finding the boundary at the perfect time. But in the last two years, his repertoire of shots has reduced into harmless singles on either side of long-on and long-off. The much-fabled short-arm jab to the cow-corner has also disappeared, giving the Dhoni story a completely different edge. But ever since the Australia tour earlier this year, he has done his bit for the team in a responsible way and Manjrekar has been of the opinion that India should look to use Dhoni as a floater in the side and India need his calmness in the World Cup. 

"Use him as a floater. Juggle his batting position based on the situation. Dhoni's hitting form is very crucial, if India want to go all the way in the World Cup. His place in the side is unchallenged. He doesn't get out easily and there is no question about his wicket-keeping skills. He has played a pivotal role in the rise of two wrist spinners (Yadav and Chahal). India need Dhoni's calmness in the World Cup."