ICC World Cup 2019 | Adaptability will always be the key in fickle English weather, says Dilip Vengsarkar
Dilip Vengsarkar has stated that in the fickle England weather, one needs to be in his toes and the sooner one adapts there, it will be better for them. The former national chief selector has also added that KL Rahul should be given the go-ahead to bat at No.4 and that will help India massively.
Regular interruption during matches is the hallmark of English cricket and the ongoing series between Pakistan and England saw all the three matches so far been affected by rain. In such a scenario, one could only assume the level to which the World Cup would be disrupted, but Vengsarkar believes that the sooner one makes the adjustment, they will be at a better position.
"In England, the weather can be fickle and that can have an effect on the performance. Adaptability will always be the key. But to the Indian team's advantage, they played in England during the same time last year. We have had exposure to those conditions and that's a good thing. We should try and use it to our advantage," Vengsarkar told PTI.
India selected Vijay Shankar ahead of Ambati Rayudu for the crucial No.4 spot keeping his “three-dimensional” abilities in mind, but the Tamil Nadu all-rounder hardly did anything of substance during the Indian Premier League to live up to the potential. With India having KL Rahul in the team, they have the option of handing him the role as well and the former national chief selector is a strong advocate for that since he has the technique to succeed in England.
"We have a settled opening pair in Shikhar (Dhawan) and Rohit (Sharma). Virat Kohli is phenomenal at No 3. I feel that K L Rahul could be an option at No 4. He has the technique and can complement the top three well. I believe No 4 should be a specialist batsman.
"Since he is a specialist opener, in case of early wickets, he could provide stability. Also in a long tournament, if required he can open the innings. I feel that he should be a part of playing XI," Vengsarkar said about Rahul, who finished second in the IPL run-getters list with 593.
