Our batting order for World Cup is sorted, says Virat Kohli

10/20/2018

Virat Kohli has claimed that it is only a matter of time before Ambati Rayudu cements his position in the team as the permanent number four in the limited over formats. Ambati Rayudu has a good record in the domestic cricket and has also performed well in the 2018 Indian Premier League.

After sweeping the Test series against a lacklustre Windies team the Indian side will now eye the ODI series which is scheduled to start from tomorrow in Guwahati. At the pre match conference, Virat Kohli spoke about the team combinations and what he plans for the World Cup which is barely eight months away now.

"The only position we were trying to figure out was number four for a long time. We tried many players who unfortunately could not capitalise or cement their places in a way we wanted. With Rayudu coming in and playing well in the Asia Cup, it's about giving him enough game time till the World Cup so that the particular slot will be sorted for us" Kohli said ahead of the first one-dayer against the West Indies on Sunday.

Ambati Rayudu, 33, already has a fair bit of experience in domestic Cricket and the Indian Premier League. In fact, he was the leading run getter for Chennai Super Kings in their run to the championship last IPL season.

"We believe he is the right person to capitalise on that spot. He is experienced and has won many games for his state and also in the IPL. He has a great ODI record already for India. I think the batting order is sorted."

India play 18 ODI games before the Cricket World Cup which scheduled to start in mid-2019. So Kohli does not has much time to settle the Indian team and fix a winning combination where clear roles and responsibilities are assigned to each player in the playing eleven.

"Now these 18 games would be to find the perfect combination that we want to take into the World Cup," Kohli said.

"Batting order is always ready, especially after four. The guys below four are always flexible in terms of the situation. You want the best thing for the team. Being flexible is very important."

Young Khaleel Ahmed played in the Asia Cup and impressed many in whatever chances he got. He was fast tracked to the Indian team even after having a pretty short domestic career because of the variety he brings to the Indian pace battery.

"We don't want to leave any bases uncovered. We thought bringing a left-arm pacer into the mix will give us enough variety. He has the ability to swing both ways and get good bounce as well. He also bowls at a decent pace. It's always an added luxury to have him (Ahmed) in the team. Definitely he makes the job easier for Bhuvi and Bumrah," Kohli said.

Our batting order for World Cup is sorted, says Virat Kohli

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