India has already lost the test series to South Africa and now even if India goes on to win the third test, that would not in any way affect the result of the series. India’s batting has been really irresponsible in the first two tests and that is the reason why despite a great show put up by the Indian pacers India has lost the series.
Now what follows after the third test is a 6 match ODI series and India would want to settle odds by winning the same. But the question that arises is that who would solve India’s problem of the number 4 batsman? India has experimented a lot with this batting position in recent times and playing in India it did not bother them much.
But now when India will be playing ODIs in South Africa against the lethal pace attack, the number four batting spot would be a big challenge for India.
These Are The Batsman Who Can Solve India’ Problem Of Number 4 In ODIs In South Africa
(From The Squad Announced)
Preference 1: Shreyas Iyer
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Shreyas Iyer performed brilliantly at Number 3 against Sri Lanka in the absence of Virat Kohli. He would be India’s premier choice to take up the crucial 4th spot in ODIs in South Africa but then he is still in his early days and lacks the experience of having played outside India.
Preference 2: Ajinkya Rahane
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Another good option to consider will be Rahane. Ajinkya Rahane has the experience of playing outside India and more importantly of scoring runs outside India. He has been unfortunate to miss out on the first two tests despite being the vice-captain. Will he get to play in ODIs against South Africa or should he sit out again as being the third opener in the squad?
Preference 3: Manish Pandey
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He has not found his touch in a while and has only performed rarely but he has the potential to play big and vital knocks.
Preference 4: Kedar Jadhav
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He is returning from an injury and lacks the match practice. Should he be brought to the playing XI immediately after the injury that too against the lethal Proteas is a question Virat needs to address.
Preference 5: Dinesh Karthik
Image Source: indianexpress.com
If he could get some runs in the third test then he might just get an edge over others.
