India are, arguably, the strongest One Day International (ODI) team in the world. From home to overseas, India have a team that can outclass any opposition. But there is one position in the batting order than they have not been able to fix, and that is number 4th position.
In the last 3 years or so, India have tried many batters for number 4 position but it’s there to be taken. Yuvraj Singh, who is one of the best ODI batsmen in cricket history, made number 4 position his own for a very long period of time but after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, he too has been moving up and down the order, and also in and out of the side.
In this post, we look at 10 batsmen India have tried at number 4 position since ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
1) Yuvraj Singh
Matches: 10, Innings: 9, Runs: 358, Average: 44.75, Strike Rate: 97.54
One of the sweetest hitters of the cricket ball, Yuvraj Singh has played 9 innings at number 4 and scored 358 runs at a healthy average of 44.75. Yuvraj also has 2 fifty plus scores at number 4 in this period.
2) MS Dhoni
Matches: 8, Innings: 8, Runs: 313, Average: 39.12, Strike Rate: 76.34
Arguably, the greatest finisher in the history of ODI cricket, MS Dhoni has played 8 innings at number 4 for India since ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. In 9 innings, Dhoni has scored 313 runs at an average of 39.12. He also has 2 fifty play scores.
3) Ajinkya Rahane
Matches: 5, Innings: 5, Runs: 280, Average: 56, Strike Rate: 103.32
Ajinkya Rahane is Team India’s vice-captain in Test cricket but he has not been able to cement his place in limited overs cricket. At number 4, Rahane has 280 runs in 5 innings at a brilliant average of 56. His strike rate is also very impressive.
4) Manish Pandey
Matches: 8, Innings: 7, Runs: 183, Average: 36.6, Strike Rate: 92.89
Manish Pandey is a very exciting young batsman and many believe that number 4 is the best position for him to bat. In 7 innings, Pandey has scored 183 runs at an average of 36.6. He has just one fifty plus score.
5) Hardik Pandya
Matches: 4, Innings: 4, Runs: 142, Average: 35.5, Strike Rate: 105.18
Hardik Pandya is one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket. Many believe that he should be used as a finisher but there is a section of fans and media who are making a strong case for him at number 4. Pandya has played 4 innings and scored 142 runs at an average of 35.5.
6) Dinesh Karthik
Matches: 2, Innings: 2, Runs: 52, Average: 562 Strike Rate: 73.23
Dinesh Karthik is one of those cricketers who is never sure about his place in the team. He keeps moving in and out of the squad and also up and down in the batting order. At number 4, Karthik has played just 2 innings and scored 52 runs.
7) Manoj Tiwary
Matches: 3, Innings: 3, Runs: 34, Average: 11.33, Strike Rate: 46.57
Manoj Tiwary is nowhere to be seen as far international cricket is concerned. He made a promising start to his international career but faded away due to injuries and poor form. He has 34 runs to his credit in 3 innings at number 4.
8) Virat Kohli
Matches: 2, Innings: 2, Runs: 23, Average: 11.5, Strike Rate: 63.88
Virat Kohli is the best number 3 batsman in the world as far as ODI cricket is concerned. He has made that position is own but during this period, he also batted at number 4 position. He played 2 innings and scored just 23 runs at an average of 11.5.
9) KL Rahul
Matches: 2, Innings: 1, Runs: 17, Average: 17, Strike Rate: 70.83
KL Rahul is one of the most technically correct batsmen in India. He is a very talented batsman who climbed the ranks on the basis of his consistent performances at the domestic level. However, he has not been able to cement his place in limited overs cricket. At number 4, he has played just 1 innings and scored 17 runs at a strike rate of 70.83.
10) Kedar Jadhav
Matches: 2, Innings: 2, Runs: 6, Average: 6, Strike Rate: 54.54
The Maharashtrian batter is a very talented cricketer and he has made a strong case for himself in ODI cricket. He came in as Suresh Raina’s replacement and done a decent job so far. At number 4, Jadhav has scored just 6 runs at a strike rate of 54.54.
NOTE: These stats are updated till 21st October 2017 i.e. before the start of India vs New Zealand series.
